Growing hazelnut trees in a kitchen garden is an excellent way to add both beauty and utility to your space. From baked goods to savoury recipes, hazelnuts are a flexible ingredient found in many foods. Their nutritional advantages help them to be a common choice for sensible meals. Including hazelnuts in your kitchen garden improves self-sufficiency, particularly in suburban and urban areas where organic, fresh food is much sought after.
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Hazelnuts are relatively easy to grow, even for beginners. With proper care and a few simple steps, one can successfully cultivate these trees in a small garden. In densely populated areas, where space is often limited, kitchen gardening fulfils the need for fresh, home-grown produce. Hazelnut trees, being compact and easy to manage, are an ideal choice for such settings.
How To Grow A Hazelnut Tree From Seeds
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Collecting The Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts typically ripen in September. The ideal time to collect them is when they can be easily removed from their husks. For best results, harvest directly from the tree instead of collecting nuts from the ground. The first fallen nuts are often empty, so waiting a few days is advisable. Store the collected nuts in breathable bags to ensure proper air circulation.
Extracting And Sorting
To determine which hazelnuts are viable for planting, remove the husks and perform a float test. Submerge the nuts in water; the ones that sink are more likely to germinate. Discard the floating nuts responsibly, as they may not produce strong seedlings.
Preparing For Pretreatment
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Mix the viable nuts with horticultural sand in equal parts to encourage germination. Place this mixture in a pot with proper drainage—add stones at the bottom and cover them with sand before filling with the nut-sand mixture. Cover the pot with wire mesh to protect the seeds from mice and store it in a shady spot for winter stratification.
Sowing The Seeds
By the end of February, check for signs of germination. If germination has started, sow two seeds per pot at a depth of 2–3 cm. Ensure the soil remains moist. For seedbeds, broadcast approximately 400 seeds per square metre, pressing them into the soil and covering them with 2 cm of horticultural grit. Protect the seeds from wildlife using netting or wire mesh.
Watering And Early Growth
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Young hazelnut plants require consistent moisture. Monitor the soil closely during dry periods to avoid dehydration. Keep pots and seedbeds free of weeds and ensure proper feeding to support healthy growth. Hazelnuts are generally resistant to pests and diseases but require protection from birds and small animals.
Managing Growth And Space
Hazelnut saplings can grow up to 40 cm in their first year. If the plants are crowded, transplant them to provide at least 10 cm of space around each. Re-potting may be necessary for potted plants. During the second year, continue regular feeding and watering to encourage robust growth.
Planting In A Permanent Spot
After two years, hazelnut trees can be planted in their permanent location. Prepare the site by removing weeds and grass. Dig a hole large enough for the root ball and plant the tree at the same depth it was in the pot or seedbed. Firm the soil around the base and water thoroughly.
Establishing A Coppice
To create a hazelnut coppice, allow the trees to grow for 3–4 years before cutting them back to the ground. This method promotes the development of strong, straight stems, making the trees more productive over time.
Growing hazelnut trees from seeds is a rewarding endeavour for kitchen gardening enthusiasts. With careful preparation, consistent watering, and protection from wildlife, these trees can thrive even in urban settings. Hazelnut trees add both practicality and aesthetic value, providing a sustainable source of nutrition for many years.