How to Grow Hazelnut
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Hazelnut
Corylus avellana
shrubHazelnut is a deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its nutrient-rich nuts and ornamental catkins. Native to Europe and western Asia, it has been cultivated for thousands of years and produces clusters of delicious edible nuts in papery husks. The plant offers year-round interest with spring catkins, summer foliage, and autumn color.
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Example Hazelnut timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hazelnut
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Hazelnut
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, with some varieties hardy to zone 3
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Get my Hazelnut timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung plant develops root system and basic branch framework. Growth is relatively slow in first year with modest leaf production.
Water deeply and regularly. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping away from trunk. Stake if necessary in windy locations. Fertilize lightly with balanced NPK.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 yearsPlant develops strong branch structure and fuller canopy. Catkins appear in late winter (male flowers) for pollen production.
Prune to maintain open vase shape with 5-8 main stems. Remove crossing or crowded branches. Continue consistent watering and mulching. Light fertilizing in spring.
Flowering & Pollination
2-4 weeksMale catkins release pollen in late winter/early spring; female flowers appear at same time. Cross-pollination between different varieties is essential for nut set.
Ensure you have at least two compatible varieties for cross-pollination. Don't prune during flowering. Avoid frost damage if possible (late frost can damage catkins). Monitor for hazelnuts developing after flowering.
Nut Development & Maturation
4-5 months (June-September)Hazelnuts develop in husks through summer and early fall. Nuts gradually increase in size and the husk becomes papery and tan-colored.
Water during dry periods to support nut filling. Reduce nitrogen fertilizing to encourage nut quality over vegetative growth. Begin monitoring for pest damage. Thin excessive nut clusters if desired for larger individual nuts.
Harvest
September-November depending on varietyNuts mature fully with husks turning brown and papery. Nuts drop naturally when ready or can be hand-picked when husks lighten in color.
Harvest by picking fallen nuts from ground or gently shaking branches. Dry nuts in a warm, airy location for 2-3 weeks. Store in cool, dry conditions. Begin post-harvest cleanup to reduce pest overwintering sites.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Harvest and destroy infested nuts; apply spinosad or neem oil during early summer; maintain sanitation by removing dropped nuts
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Plant resistant varieties; prune out infected branches 6 inches below visible canker; sanitize pruning tools; improve air circulation
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Dormant oil spray in winter; resistant varieties; remove heavily infested buds
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and
Harvest nuts promptly; use tree guards; deploy live traps if severe; provide alternative food sources away from trees
Uses
Nutritious snacking and baking
CulinaryHazelnuts are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and fiber, making them ideal for eating raw, roasted, or ground into hazelnut flour. They're widely used in confectionery, baking, and ground into hazelnut butter similar to peanut butter. [source]
Hazelnut oil and chocolate pairing
CulinaryCold-pressed hazelnut oil is used in salad dressings and fine cooking, while hazelnuts are famously paired with chocolate in spreads and confections. The combination of hazelnut and chocolate is iconic in European cuisine. [source]
Traditional wellness use
MedicinalIn traditional herbalism, hazelnut has been used to support cardiovascular health and cholesterol management, likely due to its phytosterol and polyphenol content. Modern research supports the cardiovascular benefits of regular hazelnut consumption. [source]
Hazelnut wood for dowsing and crafts
HouseholdHazelnut branches have long been traditionally used for water dowsing rods. The flexible wood is also valued for basketry, walking sticks, and other woodcraft projects. [source]
Wildlife habitat and food source
WildlifeHazelnut plantings provide excellent habitat for birds and small mammals, with the nuts serving as a valuable food source for wildlife. Early spring catkins also provide pollen for early-emerging pollinators. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Hazelnuts mature in fall (typically September-November). Harvest when the husk turns brown and papery and the nut drops or can be easily removed. Collect nuts from ground daily to prevent pest damage. Dry nuts in a warm, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks, then store in airtight containers in a cool location for up to one year.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hazelnut is one of the oldest known tree crops, with evidence of human cultivation dating back over 5,000 years to Neolithic Scotland and Turkey.
- 🌱 A single mature hazelnut bush can produce 50-200 pounds of nuts annually, with some exceptional trees yielding even more under optimal growing conditions.
- 🌱 Turkey produces over 70% of the world's hazelnuts, followed by Oregon (USA), which produces nearly all North American hazelnuts and exports to chocolate makers worldwide.
Gardening Terms
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