Hazelnut Plant Care

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) belongs to the Betulaceae family within the Corylus genus. Hazelnut is native to Europe, Norway to the Iberian Peninsula, Urals. Hazelnut is also known as Common Hazel, Filbert, Hazel.

Hazelnut displays an upright, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Hazelnut produces catkins in early spring.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hazelnut every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Hazelnut thrives in full sun.

Corylus avellana tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Hazelnut prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Hazelnut to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hazelnut every 7 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hazelnut is suited to USDA Zone 4 – 8.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Hazelnut can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Hazelnut while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Hazelnut is hardy down to USDA zone 4, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Hazelnut can be propagated through seed germination or hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american hazelnut plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Hazelnut is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Hazelnut grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4 – 8. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Hazelnut is native to Europe, Norway to the Iberian Peninsula, Urals.