Once you have found a taste for hazelnuts, it makes sense to propagate them. This isn't difficult, but it does require a bit of background information. With these tips you will definitely be able to propagate!
How can hazelnuts be successfully propagated?
Hazelnuts can be propagated by cuttings, sinkers or seeds. Cuttings are quick and easy, while cuttings are recommended if space is limited. Propagation via seeds requires patience and is less promising.
Propagation via cuttings: uncomplicated, not time-consuming
In the fall, when the hazelnut is cut, branches are produced that can then be used to propagate cuttings. Strong branches that are between 10 and 20 cm long are suitable.
How to proceed:
- Remove the lowest leaves!
- Place the branches in pots with potting soil (€6.00 on Amazon) (5 to 8 cm deep)!
- Water the cuttings!
- Find a protected and bright place for the cuttings!
- Afterwards, make sure that the soil stays moist!
- After a few weeks, the cuttings are rooted and can be planted out in spring.
Propagation via sinkers: recommended if there is a lack of space
This method works as follows:
- bend a low-hanging branch near the ground down to the ground
- anchor firmly in the ground with a peg or stone
- on the other side the branch should stick out 20 cm
- ideal period: in spring
- to accelerate root formation: lightly cut the bark
- if rooted sinkers are separated from the mother plant
Propagation via seeds: for the patient
After the nuts have been harvested, they can be used for propagation. Patience is required here. In addition, sowing is not always successful. Therefore, you should plant several nuts and hope for luck.
Plant the nuts in pots on the balcony or directly outdoors in autumn. They must be exposed to a cold period in order to germinate. The first shoots will appear next spring.
With this method you usually end up with a hazelnut bush that is not identical to the genetic makeup of the mother plant. For identical plants, you should resort to grafting. Another disadvantage of this propagation method: It takes much longer until fruits can be harvested for the first time than with cuttings or propagation.
Tips & Tricks
Do you want to let nature take its course? Then leave a few nuts on the ground. The hazelnut is often propagated through the help of animals such as crows and squirrels, who hide it.
