You know when you can easily just buy some of these things from a store, you never really think about growing your own. The last type of nuts we tried growing with much success were the peanuts and we just planted some more this season too. So today we will be looking at how to grow hazelnuts.

Did you know hazelnuts grow on a tree? They are rich in protein, monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, manganese, and many other essential nutrients. Although they can be eaten raw, I prefer to roast them. Turkey produces the bulk of the hazelnuts worldwide, and in the US their native to the Mid-West but grown more popularly in Oregon. Apparently they can also be use to feed livestock too.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• hazelnut seeds or starts
• container
• potting soil
• organic fertilizer
• small file

When planting from seed, you will need to use a small container with potting soil. Filing a notch through the shell before planting should increase germination rate. Allow the seedling to grow up to 12 inches before you transplant them into the ground. If you can find an established tree, then you dig up some starts in the late fall and plant those. This is usually easier than planting the seeds.

When you transplant your seedlings, make sure you dig a hole that is double the size of the root ball and also loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to encourage faster root formation. Hazelnuts have both male and female flowers, which either self pollinate or are aided by insects. Don’t expect any fruit for at least the first 2 to 3 years.

It will take about 7 to 9 months from pollination for your nuts to be ready for harvesting. This usually happens in the fall when all the leaves are falling from the trees. When harvesting detach the whole burr which may contain as many as a dozen nuts, after it turns brown. It is recommended you lay the hazelnuts on some newspapers, for a few days to allow them to dry.

You can get more information on growing hazelnuts on the Food Skills blog, here…

How To Grow Hazelnuts

You can watch the video below on planting, harvesting & propagation hazelnuts…

You can watch the video below on the best way to plant a hazelnut tree…

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