How to Grow Kentish Cob Hazelnut
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Kentish Cob Hazelnut
Corylus avellana 'Kentish Cob'
shrubKentish Cob is a premium hazelnut cultivar renowned for producing large, flavorful nuts with thin shells and high oil content. This vigorous deciduous shrub reaches 12-15 feet tall and produces abundant crops in mid to late season. It is self-fertile but produces better yields with a compatible pollinator such as 'Barcelona' or 'Filbert'.
When should you plant Kentish Cob Hazelnut in your zone?
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Example Kentish Cob Hazelnut timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Kentish Cob 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 Kentish Cob Hazelnut
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Kentish Cob Hazelnut dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8; Hardy to zone 4b with winter protection
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Get my Kentish Cob Hazelnut timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung shrub develops root system and establishes framework branches; limited growth first year
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Stake if necessary. Apply thick mulch layer. Avoid heavy pruning first year.
Vegetative Growth
2-4 yearsShrub expands framework with vigorous shoot growth; catkins form on branch tips in late fall
Prune to open center and manage height. Remove competing stems and low branches. Train to vase or multi-stem form. Feed with balanced fertilizer in spring.
Flowering
2-3 months (winter to early spring)Male catkins emerge yellow and elongated in late January to March; tiny female flowers appear reddish at branch tips
Ensure compatible pollinator planted nearby (within 100 feet ideally). Do not prune during flowering period. Monitor for frost damage if late freeze occurs.
Nut Development
4-5 months (April-August)Fertilized flowers develop into clusters of nuts enclosed in leafy husks; nuts mature and kernels fill out
Maintain consistent moisture as nuts develop (May-August). Thin overcrowded clusters for larger individual nuts. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Harvest
August-October (peak late September)Husks dry and brown; nuts begin to drop naturally or can be shaken from branches
Harvest when nuts drop naturally or husks turn brown. Cure nuts in dry location for 2-3 weeks. Remove remaining husk material. Store in cool, dry place.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infected nuts promptly. Use pheromone traps for monitoring. Apply spinosad or neem oil if threshold exceeded. Keep orchard clean of dropped nuts.
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Spray with horticultural oil in late winter. Use insecticidal soap for active infestations. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Prune out severely infested buds in winter. Apply sulfur sprays in late fall. Maintain tree vigor through proper care.
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Prune infected branches 12 inches below canker, sterilizing tools between cuts. Remove branch stubs flush with trunk. Plant resistant varieties. Improve air circulation.
Uses
Premium Nut Consumption
CulinaryKentish Cob nuts are prized for fresh eating, roasting, and in confectionery. The thin shell and rich, buttery kernel with high oil content make them superior for hazelnut butter, oils, and baking applications. [source]
Hazelnut Oil Production
CulinaryCold-pressed hazelnut oil from Kentish Cob is valued for salad dressings, cooking, and finishing dishes. The oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and has distinctive nutty flavor. [source]
Nutritional Health Benefits
MedicinalHazelnuts are rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, supporting cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation. Regular consumption is associated with improved cholesterol profiles. [source]
Basket and Craft Weavings
HouseholdFlexible hazelnut branches are traditionally harvested for basketry, hurdle-making, and traditional crafts. Coppiced hazel produces long, straight shoots ideal for woven structures. [source]
Wildlife Food Source
WildlifeMature hazelnut shrubs provide food for squirrels, jays, and other wildlife, as well as pollen and catkins for early insects and birds. [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 late August through October depending on location and weather. Harvest when husks turn brown and nuts begin to drop naturally. Shake branches or pick nuts from ground. Spread nuts in single layer to cure in warm, dry, well-ventilated location for 2-3 weeks until shell is hard and kernel separates from shell. Store in shell in cool (45-50°F), dry place for up to 1 year, or freeze shelled nuts up to 2-3 years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Kentish Cob is the traditional hazelnut of Kent, England, with cultivation dating back centuries; it remains the most widely planted commercial cultivar in British orchards.
- 🌱 A single mature Kentish Cob shrub can produce 10-20 pounds of nuts annually at peak production, making it one of the most productive temperate tree nuts per plant.
- 🌱 Hazelnuts were among the first cultivated food crops; evidence of hazelnut exploitation dates back 9,000 years to Mesolithic cultures in Europe.
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