Hazelnut is a fruit tree that produces delicious fruits: hazelnuts. They are very nutritious, since they are also rich in vitamins and minerals. But, as if that were not enough, they germinate very easily, so much so that you will only need a pot, substrate and water.
So if you want to have a copy, then we explain when and how to sow hazelnut fruit.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is hazelnut like?
- 2 How to sow the hazelnut fruit?
- 3 When to plant hazelnut in a pot or in the garden?
- 3.1 Planting the hazelnut in a pot
- 3.2 Planting the hazelnut in the garden or vegetable garden
- 4 Where to buy hazelnut seeds?
What is hazelnut like?
Image – Wikimedia / H. Zell
Hazelnuts are produced by the tree of the hazel, whose scientific name is Hazelnut corylus. It grows in the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, with cool temperatures in winter and mild in summer. With a height of between 3 and 8 meters, it could seem a too big plant to have in depending on which garden, but the truth is that its growth can be easily controlled by pruning, which have to be done at the end of winter.
Its crown is very wide and irregular, made up of branches from which round leaves of between 6 and 12 centimeters long and wide sprout, and with serrated margins. The flowers sprout before the leaves, and are monoecious: the male ones are pale yellow, and the female ones pink. The fruits are hazelnuts, which mature 7-8 months after pollination.
How to sow the hazelnut fruit?
As it finishes fruiting in autumn, it is in that season when we have to sow its seeds, if possible freshly picked from the plant. If this is not possible, no problem: we can buy some in a supermarket.
Once we have them at home, it is highly recommended to put them in a glass of water for 24 hours. This way we will know which ones will germinate (the ones that sink) and which are the ones that probably won’t. The next day, we prepare pots with a minimum diameter of 8’5cm and a maximum of 13cm, filling them with universal culture substrate mixed with 30% perlite.
Now water and place one seed per container, right in the center. We cover it with more substrate, and sprinkle with sulfur or copper to prevent the appearance of fungi. Then we water again.
Keeping the pots in semi-shade and well watered, the first hazelnut seedlings will germinate without difficulty in spring. But do not be in a hurry to pass them to the garden or a larger pot: before transplanting, the roots must come out through the drainage holes.
When to plant hazelnut in a pot or in the garden?
Hazel is a tree that grows rather slowly. If the conditions are right for it, it grows at a rate of about 20, maybe 30 inches per year. That is why you have to be patient with him. The transplant should only be done when the roots come out of the drainage holes in the pot.
How do you do it? As follows:
Planting the hazelnut in a pot
If you want to change your potted hazelnut, you must follow this step by step:
- First you have to choose a pot that has holes in the base and that measures about 3-5 centimeters in diameter and higher than the previous one.
- Then, mix orchard substrate or mulch with 30% perlite, claystone or similar.
- Then fill the pot about half full with this mixture.
- Next, extract the hazelnut from its old pot, and insert it into the new one, placing it in the center. If it’s too high or too low, remove or add more substrate.
- Finally, finish filling and water.
Planting the hazelnut in the garden or vegetable garden
If you want to have a hazel tree in your field, you have to plant it as follows:
- The first step is to find the ideal site for him. In order for it to grow well, it is important that the soil is fertile and slightly acidic; In addition, it must be planted at a minimum distance of 5 meters from walls, pipes, etc.
- Once the location has been chosen, a planting hole of about 50 x 50 centimeters will be made.
- Then, it will be filled with mulch.
- Afterwards, the hazelnut will be removed from the pot and inserted into the hole, ensuring that the surface of the root ball is slightly below ground level.
- Finally, it is finished filling and watered. A guardian can also be placed so that it grows straight.
Where to buy hazelnut seeds?
