Ivar Leidus / CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
A multi-stemmed shrub or small tree that produces the rich, sweet nuts essential to Nutella, pralines, and fine chocolate. Hazelnuts (filberts) are among the easiest nut trees to grow, producing within 3-4 years of planting and reaching full production by year 8. They form a key layer in food forests and agroforestry systems, providing both food and wildlife habitat.
Growing Conditions
LightPartial Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones4 — 8
Height3m
Spread5m
Growth HabitTree
Pollinator Valuelow
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5.5 — 7.5
Soil TypeWell-drained, loamy soil; tolerates clay
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant bare-root in spring; needs 2+ varieties for pollination; hardy to zone 3 |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Harvest when husks turn brown and nuts fall; dry in single layer 2-4 weeks |
| Cold (1-2) | Prune | Feb — Mar | Prune in late winter; remove suckers unless growing as hedge |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant bare-root in spring; space 15-20 feet for trees, 4-6 feet for hedge |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Gather fallen nuts daily; cure in dry area with good airflow |
| Cool (3-4) | Prune | Jan — Feb | Prune while dormant; open center for light |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in late fall while dormant; or early spring |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Spring planting alternative |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Aug — Oct | Harvest when husks open; shake tree or collect from ground |
| Moderate (5-7) | Prune | Dec — Jan (wraps) | Prune during dormancy; wind-pollinated — do not prune catkins |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant during dormancy; needs some winter chill |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Aug — Sep | Harvest in late summer/early fall |
Uses
Culinary
- Eaten raw, roasted, or as hazelnut butter
- Essential in pralines, Nutella, and fine chocolates
- Oil pressed for high-end culinary use
Medicinal
- Rich in vitamin E and healthy monounsaturated fats
- Manganese and copper support bone and connective tissue health
- Proanthocyanidins in skin support cardiovascular health
Other Uses
- Coppicing for poles, stakes, and wattle fencing
- Wildlife food for squirrels, jays, and woodpeckers
- Windbreak and hedge in agroforestry systems
