A prolific producer of delicious, filling nuts, Hazelnut trees make for the perfect addition to any temperate garden in search of a productive nut tree. Indigenous to Europe and West Asia, the Hazelnut is one of the oldest cultivated trees, providing a valuable food source in late autumn and throughout the winter—benefits that still endure for modern gardeners. Hazelnuts are highly versatile, delightful whether consumed raw or roasted, ground into a paste for hazelnut chocolate, crushed for baking, or used to create flavourful cooking oil. There are many Hazelnut varieties, each boasting its own distinctive qualities. Lambert produces high-quality, large, and sweet nuts, Ennis prolifically yields massive, striped nuts, while Turkish Cosford can serve as a universal pollinator, also offering high-protein nuts that are easily cracked and ideal for roasting. Hazelnuts thrive in high-chill, moist climates with mild summers, cool winters and moderate year-round rainfall. Perfectly suited for the cool temperate climates of the Great Dividing Range such as the Central Tablelands of NSW and the Hume Region of Victoria, or for most of Tasmania. Generally require over 750mm of rainfall and will benefit from watering during active months. Ideal for the cool temperate climates found in the Great Dividing Range, such as the Central Tablelands of NSW and the Hume Region of Victoria, as well as much of Tasmania. Plants typically require over 750mm of rainfall across the year and can further benefit from additional watering during their active months. Hazelnut require full sun and well-draining yet moist soil, with a PH between neutral or slightly acidic. Deep, loamy soils are preferred and facilitate the development of a robust root system. On the contrary, heavy clay, sandy, or shallow soils pose significant challenges to production, often leading to poor plant establishment. The incorporation of organic matter, both initially and gradually over time, can prove beneficial in overcoming these challenges and promoting successful Hazelnut cultivation. Fruiting occurs on one-year-old growth; pruning should be done in late winter to early spring. Hazelnuts are closely related to Birch and Alder, with similar foliage and flowering habit. The rounded, deciduous leaves turn to pleasant shades of gold, burgundy and orange during the fall. Distinctly, flowering is done through male and female catkins. Male Catkins are elongated and disperse pollen through the wind which fertilises the smaller female catkins which have small red tops. Hazelnuts have a dense, spreading form and develop into either a large shrub or medium sized tree between 3-15m tall depending on the shape they are pruned to. An excellent choice for cool-climate gardeners seeking a multi-purpose, delicious nut crop.
All Varieties are Cuttings unless noted. (U) = Unknown. Please reach out to us (Contact & Socials) if you come across any broken links, incorrect details, or if you represent an online nursery that sells the products mentioned above.
Hortiforum 