Growing a hazelnut from a seed is a piece of cake for anyone with a little experience with plants. To ensure that this doesn't turn into torture and the cultivation is successful, there are still a few points to consider
How do you grow a hazelnut from a seed?
To grow a hazelnut from a seed, you should use freshly harvested hazelnuts and choose a partially shaded and protected location with nutrient-rich, loose and deep soil. Planted outdoors after a cold period, shoots are expected in spring.
Which nuts are suitable for sprouting?
Hazelnuts from stores are generally not suitable for growing. They have often been dried too hot so that they are no longer able to germinate. Furthermore, they are often too old and have lost their ability to germinate due to overlay.
Hazelnuts from your own harvest are much better for germinating. You shouldn't be too old. Therefore, it is advisable to use freshly harvested nuts.
The ideal location and the right soil
The choice of location should be carefully considered if the hazelnuts are not initially grown in pots, but are immediately transported outdoors. The location for pulling should be protected, ideally partially shaded and safe from animal damage. The soil should have the following properties:
- high nutrient content
- loose texture
- profound
- permeable
- pH value between 6 and 6.5
What is the best way to germinate?
Hazelnuts need a cold period to encourage germination. It is therefore a good idea to simply put the nuts (with their shells) in the ground outdoors. There they are lightly covered with earth. They are then left to their own devices. With luck, the first shoots will appear next spring.
Surviving the early days – no challenge
In the beginning, the soil should be watered regularly. A moist environment is initially extremely important for the hazelnut. It does not require any care or winter protection. After waiting two to three years, the plant usually bears the first fruits and the harvest can begin.
Tips & Tricks
Attention: Home-grown hazelnuts are generally less productive. In addition, the resulting nuts do not have the quality (especially size and taste) of those that you once planted.
