Hazelnut Seeds - American Hazelnut - Corylus Americana

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

USDA Zones 4-9 - The American Hazelnut is a hardy, long-lived perennial shrub. It requires a period of winter chill to properly set fruit and will grow for many decades once established.

Best Performance - Achieves optimal growth and nut production in Zones 4-8, where a distinct winter dormancy period is followed by a temperate growing season.

Northern Zones (4-5) - This species is exceptionally well-adapted to and reliable in cold climates. Its hardiness ensures survival through cold winters, leading to consistent performance and nut production.

Hot Climate Zones (9) - American Hazelnut can be cultivated in Zone 9, but it may experience stress from prolonged, intense summer heat. Locating the shrub where it can receive some afternoon shade and providing consistent moisture during dry periods is advantageous.

Growing Season - As a woody perennial grown from seed, this is a long-term investment. It will typically take 3 to 5 years of growth for the shrub to reach maturity and produce its first crop of nuts. The plant requires a full seasonal cycle, including a winter dormancy period.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

Seed Preparation (Crucial):
American Hazelnut seeds have a deep natural dormancy and will not germinate without a mandatory period of cold, moist stratification.

Soak the seeds in water for 24-48 hours.

Mix the seeds with a lightly moist medium like peat moss or sand.

Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag and store it in a refrigerator (33-40 degrees F) for 90-120 days. Check periodically to ensure the medium remains moist but not wet.

When and How to Sow:

Option 1: Natural Fall Sowing (Recommended): In the autumn, plant seeds directly into a prepared garden bed, 1 to 2 inches deep. This allows the seeds to stratify naturally over the winter. It is critical to cover the planting area with a wire mesh screen to protect the seeds from squirrels and other rodents.

Option 2: Indoor Spring Sowing: After the artificial stratification period is complete, plant the seeds 1 inch deep in deep pots, as they quickly develop a long taproot. Keep the soil moist and place in a warm location.

Transplanting and Spacing:

Transplant seedlings to their permanent location in the spring after they have developed a few sets of leaves. Handle the taproot with care.

Spacing for Nut Production: Space individual shrubs 10-15 feet apart.

Spacing for a Hedge: For a dense screen or windbreak, plants can be spaced 4-6 feet apart.

Remember to plant at least two shrubs to ensure cross-pollination.

Ongoing Care:

Light: For the best nut production, plant in full sun. It will tolerate partial shade, but the yield may be reduced.

Soil: Adapts well to a variety of soil types but performs best in well-drained loamy soil.

Water: Water regularly and deeply during the first few years to establish a strong root system. The shrub is moderately drought-tolerant once mature.

Growth Habit: American Hazelnut naturally forms a multi-stemmed, suckering clump. Remove suckers from the base of the plant if a more tree-like form is desired, or allow them to grow to form a dense thicket.

Harvesting: Nuts are typically ready for harvest in late summer or early fall (August-September). Harvest when the husks begin to turn yellow-brown. The nuts can be picked from the shrub or gathered after they have fallen to the ground.