Growing hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are large, colony-forming shrubs that produce a bounty of small, edible nuts in autumn. Home gardeners can choose from two native species or a host of hybrids and named varieties. The sweet nuts, called hazelnuts or filberts, are rich in protein and unsaturated fat. They are a versatile food enjoyed roasted or added to salads, sauces and entrées. The nut is a staple ingredient in commercial confections such as praline, tortes and sweet spreads (such as Nutella). Commercial hazelnut production in the United States is concentrated in Oregon and Washington. A consortium of research organizations is betting on hazelnuts as a future sustainable crop throughout the country. The Arbor Day Foundation is selling seedlings of a new hybrid and encouraging home gardeners to help test their potential in various regions and report their results (for information, visit www.arborday.org/programs/hazelnuts).
Hazelnuts can be grown as orchards, windbreaks and wildlife plantings (deer, squirrels, chipmunks, jays, turkeys and pheasants are among the animals that eat the nuts, also called mast). Choose a site with average, well-drained soil and in full sun for best mast production. Plant more than one, as hazelnuts are not self-pollinating. Trees will grow to about 10 feet tall. Nuts ripen in autumn and can usually be harvested from the ground by hand. Use mesh netting (about ¾-inch) to protect your crop from wildlife. Young trees may produce nuts in as little as two years. You can keep thickets in bounds by mowing the perimeter. For more planting and growing tips, download www.arborday.org/programs/hazelnuts/graphics/bareroot-planting-guide.pdf. For hazelnut recipes, visit www.hazelnutcouncil.org.