Common NameCommon Hazel, Common filbert, European Filbert, Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, Corkscrew Hazel, Hazel
FamilyBetulaceae
USDA hardiness4-8
Known HazardsNone known
HabitatsWoods and hedgerows, especially on the slopes of hills, often on calcareous soils.
RangeEurope, including Britain, from Norway to Spain and east to W. Asia.
Edibility Rating        (5 of 5)
Other Uses        (5 of 5)
Weed PotentialNo
Medicinal Rating        (2 of 5)
Care (info)Fully HardyMoist SoilSemi-shadeFull sun

Growing Corylus avellana: A Complete Guide to Cultivating the Hardy Hazelnut Tree

Corylus avellana, commonly known as the European hazelnut or common hazel, is a versatile, productive tree cultivated for its nutritious hazelnuts, ornamental beauty, and environmental benefits. These hardy trees thrive in various climates and are an excellent choice for home gardeners, agroforestry projects, and commercial nut production. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing and maintaining Corylus avellana successfully.

Why Grow Hazelnut Trees?

Growing Corylus avellana offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Nutritious Harvest – Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.
  • Fast Growth & Early Yield – Compared to many nut trees, hazelnuts produce earlier, often within 3-5 years.
  • Ornamental & Wildlife Benefits – Provides beautiful catkins in early spring and supports birds and pollinators.
  • Adaptability & Sustainability – Thrives in diverse soil conditions and is useful for soil stabilization and permaculture.

Best Growing Conditions for Hazelnut Trees

1. Climate Requirements

  • Thrives in temperate climates, best suited for USDA hardiness zones 4-9.
  • Requires chilling hours in winter to set fruit properly.
  • Tolerates frost but may suffer from late spring frosts affecting flowers.

2. Soil Preferences

  • Prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
  • Avoids waterlogged or extremely sandy soils.
  • Benefits from soil enriched with organic matter and moderate moisture.

3. Sunlight Needs

  • Requires full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • More sunlight leads to better nut production and overall tree vigor.

4. Watering Requirements

  • Needs regular watering during establishment (first 2-3 years).
  • Once mature, is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering.
  • Use mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

How to Plant Hazelnut Trees

1. Choosing the Right Location

  • Space trees 10-15 feet apart for proper air circulation.
  • Consider windbreaks in areas with strong winds to prevent damage to flowers and branches.
  • Plant multiple trees for cross-pollination, as most hazelnut varieties are not self-fertile.

2. Planting Saplings or Seeds

  • Seed Planting:
    • Harvest fresh hazelnuts in autumn and cold stratify them for 90-120 days.
    • Plant seeds 2 inches deep in well-prepared soil.
  • Sapling Planting:
    • Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
    • Place the tree at the same depth as in the nursery pot.
    • Water deeply after planting and apply organic mulch.

Pruning and Maintenance

1. Pruning for Better Growth

  • Perform light pruning in late winter or early spring.
  • Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
  • Encourage a multi-stemmed bushy growth or train into a single-trunk tree for easier harvesting.

2. Common Pests and Diseases

  • Hazelnut Weevil & Filbert Worm – Use organic pest control methods.
  • Eastern Filbert Blight – Select resistant varieties and prune infected branches.
  • Aphids & Mites – Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and use neem oil.
  • Squirrels & Birds – Protect nuts with mesh netting or wildlife deterrents.

3. Fertilizing Hazelnut Trees

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 NPK) in early spring.
  • Add compost or well-rotted manure for organic soil enrichment.
  • Conduct soil tests to determine nutrient needs and avoid over-fertilizing.

Harvesting Hazelnuts

1. When to Harvest

  • Hazelnuts ripen in late summer to early fall (August-September).
  • Nuts are ready when they turn brown and begin to fall from husks.

2. Processing and Storing Hazelnuts

  • Hulling – Remove nuts from the outer husks immediately.
  • Drying – Spread nuts in a well-ventilated, shaded area for 2-3 weeks.
  • Storage:
    • Keep dried nuts in shells for long-term preservation.
    • Store shelled nuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Sustainable Benefits of Growing Hazelnuts

1. Eco-Friendly & Wildlife Support

  • Hazelnut trees provide food for birds, squirrels, and beneficial insects.
  • Their deep roots help prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility.

2. Commercial Potential & Agroforestry

  • High market demand for organic hazelnuts in the food industry.
  • Used in chocolates, baked goods, hazelnut butter, and oils.
  • Ideal for agroforestry systems and regenerative farming.

Final Thoughts: Why Grow Corylus avellana?

Growing Corylus avellana is a rewarding and sustainable choice for home gardens and commercial farms. With proper care, hazelnut trees offer nutritious harvests, environmental benefits, and economic value. Whether you’re planting for food, landscaping, or agroforestry, hazelnuts are a low-maintenance, high-yield tree that enhances any landscape.

Interested in growing hazelnuts? Start planting today and enjoy the rewards of this hardy nut tree!

More information: https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Corylus+avellana