A hazel tree provides interest throughout the year. From August to October you can pick delicious hazelnuts. From late winter, yellow catkins festoon the branches.
There are two types of hazel. Those with long husks covering the nut are the filberts, while cobnuts are those that poke out of their husk. Both types take three years from planting to produce the first crop.
Planting
Plant from late November to early March. Prepare a weed-free area and dig a hole deep and wide enough to spread the roots fully. Plant the tree to the same depth as at the nursery. If planting more than one tree, allow about 4m between them.
Harvesting
Hazelnuts are ready to harvest from late August until October, as the nuts are turning brown. Harvest them in dry weather and let the husks dry out slightly before storage. Drying the nuts thoroughly before storing withers the kernels. Keep them in the fridge to retain their milky taste and texture, or store a large crop in a cool cellar or shed.
BUYING TIP
Look for a 2-3-year old tree which starts to branch 45cm from the ground. This will give you a good framework to train your tree into a 'goblet' shape.