Chilean Hazelnut Plant Care

Chilean Hazelnut (Gevuina avellana) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Gevuina genus. Chilean Hazelnut is native to southern Chile and adjacent valleys in Argentina. Chilean Hazelnut is also known as Chile Nut.

Chilean Hazelnut displays a medium-sized evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Chilean Hazelnut produces small clusters of red or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chilean 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.

Chilean Hazelnut thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Gevuina avellana tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Chilean Hazelnut prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Chilean Hazelnut to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chilean Hazelnut every 6 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 to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chilean Hazelnut is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Chilean Hazelnut can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Chilean 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.

Chilean Hazelnut is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chilean Hazelnut can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings.

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Chilean Hazelnut is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Chilean Hazelnut grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Chilean Hazelnut is native to southern Chile and adjacent valleys in Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Chilean Hazelnut as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.