Beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta) is a type of deciduous shrub or small tree that is known for its edible nuts and colorful fall foliage. It is relatively easy to grow and care for in the right conditions.
When planting beaked hazelnut, choosing a location that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil is important. Beaked hazelnut prefers moist, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter, but it can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
To plant beaked hazelnut, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, and space them about 10-15 feet apart. Gently remove the plant from its container, loosen any tangled roots and place it in the hole. Backfill with soil, and water well.
Beaked hazelnut requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first growing season. It also benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, applied every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Beaked hazelnut is dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants. Only female plants will bear fruit, so it’s important to plant at least one male cultivar for every eight to ten female plants to ensure good nut production.
Beaked hazelnut is typically disease-free and pest-free, but they can be susceptible to Eastern Filbert Blight, which is a fungal disease that causes leaf and twig blight, cankers, and dieback. Remove and destroy infected plant parts and avoid planting in areas with a history of the disease.
Finally, Beaked hazelnut is hardy to cold climates but in extremely cold areas it’s suggested to mulch around the base of the tree in the fall to protect the roots from frost. The nuts are ready to harvest in late summer or early fall.
