The Complete Guide To Growing Hazelnuts: From Orchard Planning To Backyard Cultivation
Hazelnuts have become increasingly popular among gardeners and farmers alike, offering both nutritional benefits and economic opportunities. Whether you're considering planting a few trees in your backyard or planning a full-scale orchard, understanding the nuances of hazelnut cultivation is essential for success.
The Health Benefits of Hazelnuts
Short answer unless you have an allergy to tree nuts, hazelnuts are extremely healthy and beneficial to a great variety of people. These nutrient-dense nuts are packed with healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. A single ounce of hazelnuts provides nearly 20% of your daily recommended vitamin E intake, along with significant amounts of magnesium, copper, and manganese. The high concentration of monounsaturated fats in hazelnuts has been linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and better blood sugar control. Additionally, their rich antioxidant content helps combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Choosing the Right Hazelnut Variety
When selecting hazelnut trees for your property, variety selection is crucial for both yield and climate adaptation. Recently, I purchased a Jefferson variety hazelnut tree, which raises an important question: do I need to plant a pollinator of a different variety, or one of the same?
The answer depends on the specific variety you choose. Most hazelnut varieties are not self-pollinating and require cross-pollination from a different variety to produce nuts. The Jefferson variety, in particular, is a Bracknell seedling selection that performs well in many climates but still requires a compatible pollinator. For optimal pollination, it's recommended to plant at least two different compatible varieties within 50-60 feet of each other. Some excellent pollinator choices for Jefferson include Yamhill, Gamma, and Theta varieties.
Commercial Hazelnut Orchard Economics
For those considering commercial hazelnut production, understanding the leasing market is essential for financial planning. Hi, I am appraising a hazelnut orchard that is leased, and I am trying to get more information on how much a hazelnut orchard typically leases for in various regions.
Hazelnut orchard lease rates vary significantly depending on location, soil quality, and market conditions. In prime growing regions like Oregon's Willamette Valley, lease rates typically range from $400 to $800 per acre annually, with some premium locations commanding even higher rates. These figures can fluctuate based on factors such as proximity to processing facilities, irrigation infrastructure, and the age and productivity of the existing trees. It's worth noting that young orchards may have lower lease rates initially, as they don't reach full production until approximately 5-7 years after planting.
Planning Your Small-Scale Hazelnut Orchard
We are planning to plant a small hazelnut orchard with climate 6b tolerant hazelnut trees on our small family farm in Tumalo. This climate zone presents both opportunities and challenges for hazelnut cultivation.
Climate zone 6b experiences minimum temperatures between -5°F and 0°F, which is suitable for many hazelnut varieties but requires careful selection. For this climate, consider cold-hardy varieties such as the American hazelnut (Corylus americana) or the beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta). These native species have evolved to withstand colder temperatures and may perform better than European varieties in harsher conditions. When planning your orchard layout, allow for adequate spacing between trees—typically 15-20 feet apart in rows that are 20-25 feet apart. This spacing ensures proper air circulation, reduces disease pressure, and allows for equipment access as the trees mature.
Understanding Native Hazelnut Species
Expert response Corylus cornuta, the California hazel, is a deciduous shrubby hazel found throughout most of North America, from southern Canada south to California. This native species offers unique advantages for certain growing conditions.
The beaked hazelnut is particularly valuable for its adaptability to various soil types and its resistance to eastern filbert blight, a disease that can devastate European hazelnut orchards. Growing as a multi-stemmed shrub rather than a single-trunk tree, Corylus cornuta typically reaches heights of 6-12 feet and produces small, sweet nuts encased in distinctive, elongated husks that resemble beaks. This species is particularly well-suited for naturalized plantings, hedgerows, and wildlife habitat restoration projects. Its early spring catkins provide important pollen for native bees, while the nuts serve as food for birds and small mammals.
Getting Expert Advice on Hazelnut Cultivation
Expert response thank you for your question. When embarking on hazelnut cultivation, seeking expert guidance can save time, money, and frustration.
Local agricultural extension offices are invaluable resources for region-specific advice on hazelnut growing. They can provide information on soil testing, pest management, recommended varieties, and local regulations. Additionally, many states with significant hazelnut production offer grower associations that provide educational resources, networking opportunities, and sometimes even group purchasing options for supplies and equipment. Don't hesitate to reach out to these organizations early in your planning process—they can help you avoid common pitfalls and set your orchard up for success from the beginning.
Growing Hazelnuts in Colorado
After reviewing several sources on shrubs and bushes in Colorado, I've come up with some resources and suggestions for growing a hazelnut. The Centennial State presents unique challenges for hazelnut cultivation.
Colorado's high elevation, intense sunlight, and variable precipitation create a challenging environment for many plants, including hazelnuts. However, with proper site selection and care, success is achievable. Focus on varieties that can handle the state's temperature extremes and shorter growing season. The native American hazelnut is particularly well-adapted to Colorado conditions. When planting in Colorado, choose sites with good air drainage to avoid cold air pockets, provide wind protection, and ensure consistent irrigation during the growing season. Consider planting on north-facing slopes to protect from intense afternoon sun, which can cause sunscald on young trees.
Seasonal Considerations for Hazelnut Planting
If you go for it during the growing season, I would expect the tree, if it survives, to be very stressed and slow to establish.
The timing of hazelnut planting significantly impacts establishment success. While container-grown trees can technically be planted throughout the growing season, late summer to early fall planting is generally recommended. This timing allows trees to establish root systems before winter dormancy while avoiding the heat stress of summer planting. Spring planting is the second-best option, though it requires more diligent watering during the first growing season. Avoid planting during the heat of summer unless you can provide substantial irrigation and shade protection. Bare-root trees should only be planted during late winter or early spring while still dormant.
Troubleshooting Seed Germination Issues
I've purchased a small collection of American hazelnut seeds for planting from two different vendors. In both cases 9 out of 10 seeds floated when placed in water before stratification.
Floating seeds typically indicate poor viability or insufficient embryo development. However, this test isn't always definitive for hazelnut seeds. Hazelnut seeds have a hard shell that can sometimes trap air, causing viable seeds to float. For more reliable results, perform a cut test on a sample of seeds—viable seeds will have a firm, white kernel inside. If you're experiencing low germination rates, ensure you're providing the proper cold stratification period of 90-120 days at temperatures between 33-41°F. Some growers have success by nicking the seed coat slightly before stratification to improve water absorption and germination rates.
Hazelnuts in the Home Landscape
Hi, read in the arbor day newsletter about hazelnut trees and was thinking it might good to plant a few in my yard. Hazelnuts can be excellent additions to home landscapes for multiple reasons.
Beyond nut production, hazelnut shrubs provide year-round landscape interest. Their spring catkins, summer foliage, fall color, and winter architectural form make them attractive in multiple seasons. As relatively compact plants (typically 10-20 feet tall at maturity), they fit well in smaller yards where larger nut trees like walnuts or pecans would be overwhelming. Hazelnuts also serve as excellent privacy screens or informal hedges when planted in groups. Their deep, non-invasive root systems make them compatible with other landscape plants, and their ability to tolerate partial shade allows for flexible placement in the landscape design.
Native Status and Regional Considerations
Is this native to Maryland? Understanding the native status of hazelnut species helps determine their adaptability to local conditions.
The native hazelnut species in Maryland is Corylus americana, the American hazelnut, which is indeed native to the eastern United States, including Maryland. This species naturally occurs throughout the state and is well-adapted to local soil conditions, climate, and pests. The American hazelnut thrives in Maryland's climate zones, tolerating both the humid summers and the cold winters. For Maryland growers, this native species offers several advantages over European varieties, including natural resistance to eastern filbert blight and better adaptation to the state's clay soils. The native species also supports local wildlife and integrates well into naturalized areas of the landscape.
Conclusion
Growing hazelnuts, whether for personal enjoyment or commercial production, offers rewarding opportunities for gardeners and farmers alike. From understanding the health benefits and selecting appropriate varieties to navigating the economics of commercial production and troubleshooting common issues, successful hazelnut cultivation requires knowledge, planning, and patience. Whether you're planting a single tree in your backyard or establishing a multi-acre orchard, the information provided here offers a foundation for your hazelnut-growing journey. Remember that local conditions, climate, and specific site factors will ultimately determine your success, so don't hesitate to consult with local experts and experienced growers in your area. With proper care and attention, hazelnut trees can provide decades of beauty, wildlife habitat, and delicious, nutritious nuts for your table.
