El hazel It's a deciduous shrub that stands out both for its fruits and for its hardiness and ease of adaptation to different temperate climates. Below, you'll discover a complete and detailed guide on everything you need to know to successfully plant and care for a hazel tree in your garden.
Hazelnut characteristics
- Height and growth: Hazelnut trees can reach 3 to 10 meters and usually develop new shoots from the base, forming dense, spreading clumps.
- Instructions for use: It is often used as a natural divider in gardens, to provide shade or as a visual barrier.
- Resistance: It tolerates low temperatures, even withstanding up to 8 degrees below zero, and adapts to areas with a certain degree of pollution.
Its branches are strong, straight, and light when dry, which is why they are often used as walking sticks or to make baskets. Its flowers appear before the leaves and can be distinguished between male (elongated, up to 12 cm) and female (small and inconspicuous). To learn more about its characteristics, you can consult Characteristics and flowering of the hazelnut tree.
Ideal climate and location for planting hazelnut trees
Hazelnut is versatile in terms of climate, preferring airy areas with mild average annual temperatures and tolerating shaded temperatures above 30°C. Although it tolerates winter frosts, late frosts can affect budding and flower production. It is important to choose a suitable one. sunny or semi-shady location, with enough space to allow for unhindered growth. For a deeper understanding of the types of fruit trees and their conditions, we recommend visiting Introduction to fruit trees.
Preparation of the soil and substrate
- Depth: The soil must have a minimum depth of 50 cm for good root development.
- Texture and composition: Hazelnut grows best in light or loamy soils, rich in organic matter and with good drainage.
- Sewer system: It is essential to avoid waterlogged or poorly drained soils, as the hazel tree does not tolerate waterlogging.
- pH: It prefers soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5; excessive limestone can induce chlorosis.
Before planting, fertilize the ground a few weeks beforehand With organic fertilizer or compost, rooting and initial growth of the shrub improves. To learn more about improving soils, visit How to improve clay soils for cultivation.
Irrigation and water needs
The hazel tree is drought sensitive, especially during the crucial months of fertilization and grain development (May to July). To avoid premature fruit drop or reduced yields, keep the substrate moist, but never waterlogged. In times of drought, it may be advisable to consult the recommended crops for the month of February and adapt irrigation to specific conditions.
- Frequency: Moderate watering every 4 days is sufficient, adjusting according to weather conditions.
- Check soil moisture before watering: if it's dry, increase the frequency; if it's still wet, wait a little longer.
Pollination and recommended varieties
La Most hazelnut cultivars are self-incompatible, so it's essential to plant at least two different and compatible varieties to ensure a good harvest. Wind plays a central role in pollination (anemophilous), favoring it when it blows gently and dryly during the flowering period. For more information on varieties, see growing and caring for green beans.
Essential care: pruning and maintenance
- Formation pruning: During the first few years, it promotes shrub structure or tree shape, as desired.
- Fruiting pruning: Do it twice a year, taking the opportunity to remove dry or damaged branches and thus promote the entry of light and fruit production.
- Maintenance pruning: Remove old or diseased branches for healthy and vigorous development of the hazel tree.
The hazelnut tree is a shrub that combines ornamental beauty, nutritious fruit production, and easy adaptation to different soils and climates. By following these planting, care, and maintenance tips, you'll have a hardy specimen, a source of healthy hazelnuts, and an ideal decorative element for your garden.