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Dwarf hazelnut, planting guide and care work

Published on: April 14, 2022 Modified on: 29 April 2024

The ornamental hazelnut is a shrub species (rarely a tree, that can be up to 10-20 m tall), which belongs to the genus Corylus from the Betulaceae family. It has deciduous leaves, round or semi-round, with irregular edges (serrated) and a pointed tip. Pendants of male flowers (catkins) can be easily seen in early spring, before foliation. The fruits are achene with a woody skin and an edible core.

Species and varieties

The genus Corylus includes over 10 species of hazelnut, of which we mention the following:

Corylus avellana (common hazel)

It is a species found in forests, at the edge of pastures and meadows, respectively in clearings. It is frequently found in lowlands and hilly areas, but it also climbs in the mountainous area, to altitudes of up to 1400 m.

It grows in the form of a thick shrub with straight stems, it reaches heights of up to 4-5 m and has a smooth, yellow-gray bark. At old age, the bark thickens and forms longitudinal streaks. Numerous white lenticels (small dots) can be seen on the tendrils. The leaves are 5-12 cm long, at first, they are hairy on both sides, then only on the underside. The petiole is short, 1-2 cm long. The male flowers are pendulous, yellow-green, 4-8 cm long. From the female flowers hidden in the buds, spherical fruits of 1 – 1.5 cm in length are formed. They are almost entirely wrapped in an irregular light green fruiting involucre.

For ornamental purposes, the corkscrew hazel, Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’, is cultivated, having twisted, contorted tendrils and branches.

Corylus maxima (the filbert)

A species native to the Balkan peninsula and Asia minor, cultivated for ornamental purposes. It rarely reaches heights of approx. 10 m, and it usually has the dimensions of a shrub. It has large leaves, up to 15 cm long, and elongated hazelnuts, completely wrapped in irregular fruiting involucres, longer than the achene.

For ornamental purposes, the purple giant filbert, Corylus maxima var. Purpurea, is cultivated, with dark, red-purple leaves.

Corylus colurna (Turkish hazel)

It is cultivated for ornamental purposes. It is a tree with a straight trunk and heights of up to 20 m. Characteristically, the bark forms a suberous rhytidome (cork), and the crown is spherical and often branched. The leaves are 8-12 cm long, rounded, hairy on the topside, with long petioles (3-4 cm). The fruits are entirely wrapped in long fruiting involucres, covered with glandular hairs. The involucres are divided lengthwise at the top, the bundles with fruits (3-10 adjacent fruits) having a characteristic cluster appearance with elongated notches.

Apart from these species, we also mention the American hazelnut (Corylus americana) and the Asian hazel (Corylus heterophylla), species resistant to very low winter temperatures, but very rarely cultivated in Europe.

Environmental conditions 

Light. The hazelnut grows well in direct sunlight or partial shade. It can withstand direct exposure to sunlight.

Temperature. The common hazelnut prefers a moderate climate, warm during the summer, but it can also withstand the frost well. The Turkish hazelnut and the filbert have higher demands on warmth, being species adapted to the Mediterranean climate.

Soil. The hazelnut prefers a soil rich in nutrients and humus, well-drained, and with normal humidity. It grows poorly in strongly acidic, skeletal, or sandy soils. It does not tolerate long-term dryness in the soil, but it can neither withstand water stagnation.

Watering

In the case of areas with annual rainfall less than 700 mm, it is recommended to water the crops during dry periods, whenever the soil becomes dry on the surface. Drip irrigation is suitable in the case of hazelnut crops.

Fertilization

For vigorous growth and abundant fruiting, it is recommended to administer organic fertilizers, such as manure, once every 3 years, in quantities of 20-30 t/ha. In addition, chemical fertilizers based on phosphorus and potassium can be applied in autumn, and nitrogen can be administered in early spring. If necessary, foliar and root fertilizers can be administered, as well as activators to improve soil structure and root absorption.

Pruning

The hazelnut can withstand well shape correction and maintenance cuts. After 6-8 years, revitalizing cuts are done, in order to stimulate fruiting. It is recommended to make the cuts during the vegetative dormancy period.

In addition, it is recommended to cover the wounds with a diameter larger than 4-5 cm with mastic.

Planting

It is recommended to plant hazelnut seedlings in holes of 60x60x60 cm, followed by compacting the soil and watering with large amounts of water (10-15 l). In order to favor a successful planting, the roots should be introduced in a mixture of yellow earth, cattle manure, and water. The optimal time for planting is in autumn.

Propagation

It can be propagated through germination (from seeds) or vegetatively (through cuttings, layering, grafting, or by dividing the bush).

Diseases and pests

Hazelnuts can be affected by many diseases, such as hazelnut mosaic, bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, gleosporiosis, blossom blight, powdery mildew, or gray mold. The main pests that cause damage in hazelnut crops are nut weevils, mites, tortrix moths, citrus flatid planthoppers, and hazel aphids.

It is recommended to choose varieties resistant to diseases and pests, to use healthy grafts and rootstocks, respectively to maintain an optimal phytosanitary standard. In case of infections or attacks, the affected plant parts have to be removed, gathered, and burned. Preventive and control treatments have to be performed with specific fungicides and insecticides, according to the instructions on the packages.

In addition:
  • the hazelnut has a lifespan of about 80 years;
  • hazelnuts are an important source of vitamins, minerals and fats;
  • the hazelnuts are harvested at full maturity, when they have a chocolate-reddish color and can be easily detached from the involucre;
  • the leaves, bark and hazelnuts are used for medicinal purposes: infusions, oils, etc.
  • hazelnut wood has many uses, such as: pickets, wattles for weaving, household objects and others.

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