How to Grow Filberts (European hazelnuts) in New York

Growing filberts, or European hazelnuts (Corylus avellana), in New York is a rewarding endeavor that can yield delicious nuts while also enhancing local biodiversity and beauty. With their attractive foliage and productive nature, hazelnuts are a valuable addition to any garden or orchard. This guide will cover everything you need to know about successfully cultivating filberts in the New York climate.

Understanding Hazelnut Varieties

Before planting, it’s essential to understand the different varieties of filberts suitable for your area. While many species exist, European hazelnuts are preferred for their superior nut quality and flavor. Some popular varieties include:

• Barcelona: Known for its large nuts and robust yields, this variety is widely grown in commercial operations.
• Tonda di Giffoni: A smaller nut, this variety is sweet and has a rich flavor profile.
• Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’: Also known as the corkscrew hazel, this ornamental variety has twisted branches and produces small nuts.

Choosing one or more of these varieties can ensure that your hazelnut trees thrive in New York’s varied climates.

Climate Considerations

New York experiences diverse climatic conditions ranging from warm summers to cold winters. Hazelnuts prefer a temperate climate with well-defined seasons. They thrive best in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8, which encompasses most of New York.

When selecting a site for planting, consider the following:

• Sunlight: Hazelnuts require full sun for optimal growth, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil Type: Well-drained loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for hazelnuts. Heavy clay or overly sandy soils may lead to poor growth.
• Wind Protection: Although mature hazelnut trees can withstand wind, young plants may need windbreaks to prevent damage.

Site Preparation

Proper preparation of your planting site is crucial for healthy growth. Follow these steps:

1. Clear the Area: Remove all grass, weeds, and debris from the planting site to minimize competition for nutrients.
2. Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH levels and nutrient content. Amend the soil based on test results, adding lime if the pH is too low or sulfur if it’s too high.
3. Tilling: Till the soil thoroughly to aerate it and mix in any amendments.
4. Drainage Check: Ensure that the site has good drainage to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues.

Planting Hazelnut Trees

Once your site is ready, it’s time to plant your hazelnut trees. The best time for planting is in early spring after the last frost or in fall before the ground freezes.

Steps for Planting

1. Spacing: Plant hazelnut trees at least 10 to 15 feet apart to allow enough room for growth and air circulation.
2. Digging Holes: Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root system itself.
3. Planting Depth: Place the tree in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface.
4. Backfilling: Carefully backfill with soil and water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
5. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of each tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Care and Maintenance

Maintaining your hazelnut trees will ensure healthy growth and a productive harvest.

Watering

Hazelnuts require consistent moisture but do not tolerate waterlogging. Water newly planted trees weekly during dry periods for at least their first growing season. Once established, they will be more drought-tolerant but should still receive about an inch of water weekly during dry spells.

Fertilizing

A balanced fertilizer should be applied annually in early spring before new growth begins. Use a slow-release formulation suitable for fruiting plants. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of nut production.

Pruning

Pruning helps maintain tree health by improving air circulation and light penetration:

• Initial Pruning: In the first few years, focus on shaping the tree and removing any dead or damaged branches.
• Annual Pruning: After establishing a shape, prune lightly each year during dormancy (late winter) to encourage new growth and enhance yield.

Pest and Disease Management

Filberts are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:

• Eastern Filbert Blight: A fungal disease that affects hazelnuts; choose resistant varieties if possible.
• Nut Weevil: This pest can damage developing nuts; monitor your trees regularly.

Implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies such as encouraging beneficial insects, using traps, or applying organic pesticides when necessary.

Harvesting Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts typically mature in late summer to early fall (August to October). Signs that nuts are ready for harvest include:

• The husks turning brown or yellow.
• Nuts dropping from branches when lightly shaken.

To harvest, gently shake or hand-pick nuts from trees before they fall completely. Allow harvested nuts to dry on screens or trays for several days before storing them in a cool, dry place.

Storing Hazelnuts

Proper storage ensures that your harvested hazelnuts remain fresh:

• Store shelled nuts in airtight containers at room temperature for up to three months.
• For longer storage, freeze unshelled nuts which can last up to two years without losing quality.

Conclusion

Growing filberts (European hazelnuts) in New York offers an excellent opportunity to cultivate nutritious crops while enjoying their ornamental value in your landscape. By understanding their requirements and following proper care techniques, you can establish a thriving hazelnut grove that produces delicious nuts for years to come. With patience and dedication, you’ll soon reap the rewards of your efforts with bountiful harvests from your very own orchard!