Germination, Sowing and After Care Information for
Hazel (corylus avellana)
Hazelnuts are dormant and need to undergo a period of pre-treatment known as stratification to enable them to germinate. The nuts should be mixed with a 50/50 blend of moist peat/compost and sharp sand -just enough to separate the seeds from each other. Put them in a plastic bag (freezer bags are ideal) and place the loosely tied bag in a fridge for at least 6 weeks. Keep checking them every week and if they show signs of germination sow them immediately.
After this period of pre-treatment they can be sown in good quality potting compost in deep containers (at least 20cm deep), covering each nut with a couple of centimeters of soil As soon as these trees germinate they produce a very strong taproot, planting in shallow containers will cause severe root deformation. They can be started off under protection or indoors but should really be placed outside from the early summer.
They can be also be sown outside in the garden usually during March or April in soil that has been well cultivated and is free from perenial weeds. Hazelnuts can be broadcast over the soil or sown in drills and then covered with a couple of centimeters of fine soil. They will need protecting from mice, squirrels and pigeons etc.
Initial growth is quite rapid and within a few weeks from germination the seedlings will be between 10 and 20cm high. Growth by the end of the first season can be up to 50cm or more. To encourage maximum growth ensure that the trees are never stressed because of a lack of water and that they are well nourished and grown in a warm, sunny position.
Trees should be planted in their permanent position as soon as is practical. If they are large enough, at the end of their first growing season and certainly at the end of the second
After this period of pre-treatment they can be sown in good quality potting compost in deep containers (at least 20cm deep), covering each nut with a couple of centimeters of soil As soon as these trees germinate they produce a very strong taproot, planting in shallow containers will cause severe root deformation. They can be started off under protection or indoors but should really be placed outside from the early summer.
They can be also be sown outside in the garden usually during March or April in soil that has been well cultivated and is free from perenial weeds. Hazelnuts can be broadcast over the soil or sown in drills and then covered with a couple of centimeters of fine soil. They will need protecting from mice, squirrels and pigeons etc.
Initial growth is quite rapid and within a few weeks from germination the seedlings will be between 10 and 20cm high. Growth by the end of the first season can be up to 50cm or more. To encourage maximum growth ensure that the trees are never stressed because of a lack of water and that they are well nourished and grown in a warm, sunny position.
Trees should be planted in their permanent position as soon as is practical. If they are large enough, at the end of their first growing season and certainly at the end of the second
