Common Hazel(Corylus avellana) is a shrub that produces tasty and he althy hazelnuts. There aren't many growing requirements, but hazel must be given plenty of room to grow. In smaller gardens, you can successfully cultivatecommon hazelvarieties with decorative qualities and smaller sizes. Here aresecrets of hazel cultivationand the most interesting varieties for cultivation in home and allotment gardens.
Common hazel is grown mainly for its fruits - tasty and he althy hazelnuts
Common hazel cultivation
Common Hazelis a very tall and wide shrub that we cultivate for the tasty fruit known as hazelnuts. Semi-wild hazel bushes brought from the forest are often grown. However, in home gardens we should plant large-fruited varieties, because only then can we count on an abundant harvest of tasty hazelnuts.
The requirements of the hazelare not large. These shrubs can cope with most of the prevailing conditions. They can be planted in sunny to shady positions, bearing in mind, however, that they yield more abundantly in the sun. When it comes to soil, they like moderately moist, fertile and loamy areas. However, they do not tolerate completely wet and very dry places. Besides,common hazel cultivationis successful in almost any garden soil.
Hazelnut - varieties for nuts
Common hazel has some very tasty and interesting varieties.They include, among othersCommon Hazel 'Miracle of Bollwiller'This variety produces large and spreading crowns. It is also resistant to low temperatures, so it can be planted in places less favorable for the cultivation of hazel. The 'Bollwiller Miracle' starts fruiting quickly, but the nuts don't ripen until the first half of October. They are large and have a thick and hard shell. This variety bears fruits singly and in pairs.
Another hazel recommended for cultivation in allotment gardens ishazel variety 'Olbrzymi z Halle'It comes from Germany, as the previous one is also characterized by strong growth and has a large and spreading crown . However, it requires fertile, warm and humus-rich soil. It gives the best yields when grown in higher and sheltered places. For abundant fruiting, it also needs a pollinator, so it is best to plant two specimens nearby. The fruits are harvestable at the end of September and are large. This variety is not very susceptible to moniliosis, a disease that can affect hazel.
Among the varieties grown for fruit, it is also worth mentioningcommon hazel 'Catalan' , which comes from Spain. The fruit, as in the case of its predecessor, is ready for harvest at the end of September. The nuts are large and usually grow in clusters of 2-6 pieces. This variety is quite resistant to Moniliosis, which makes it valuable for planting in home and allotment gardens.
Another variation is ' Nottinghamski '. She comes from England. It grows up to 4 meters in height. It is a slow growing variety, so it can be planted in smaller gardens. Like the 'Halle Giants', it has high soil requirements and prefers fertile and warm soils. When these requirements are met, 'Nottinghamski' will bear fruit abundantly, and the first fruit can be harvested at the end of August. The hazelnuts of this variety are large and gathered in clusters of 2-4 pieces. It is quite resistant to frost, so it is also valuable for amateur planting.
Decorative varieties of hazel have interesting twisted stems and oblong, hanging male flowers
Common hazel - decorative varieties
If you have a small garden, it is worth considering a variety of hazel, which will also have a more decorative function. The hazel 'Contorta' is undoubtedly one of the most wanted. This shrub grows up to 4 m in height. It is dense and often has a slightly umbrella-like habit with slightly drooping branch tips. The leaves are green, curled in an interesting way.
Thisvariety of common hazelis especially decorative in the leafless period due to its spiral twisted shoots. This is very evident during the winter months when seasonal plants die and the attractive hazel crown is the highlight of the garden.Common Hazel 'Contorta'looks even more interesting in spring, when it ties male flowers in the form of hanging yellow kittens.This variety has no special requirements as to the type of soil, it grows badly only in too dry positions. It is also not very fertile, so you shouldn't count on a plentiful harvest of hazelnuts.
An interesting variety is alsocommon hazel 'Aurea' , which has a yellow color of the leaves. Only in heavily shaded places it does not stain, the leaves turn bright green. This plant grows very slowly and grows up to 3 meters in height. It bears fruit, but there are also few nuts. It is undemanding to the soil, but it will grow best in heavier and humid soils.
Another variation worth recommending is ' Pendula '. It is an umbrella-like shrub with hanging shoots. Most often it is grown as a form grafted on a stump. Its amount depends on the place of vaccination. It has leaves and flowers like common hazel, while hazelnuts are low.
Speaking of ornamental hazel, it is also worth paying attention to thesouthern hazel (Corylus maxima) 'Purpurea' . This shrub grows up to 5 meters in height, and is distinguished by a maroon color of leaves that lasts throughout the growing season.
Cutting of common hazel
Knowing the characteristics of the varieties that can be planted in the garden, it is also worth delving into their care and cutting techniques. Young hazel bushes develop perfectly without any special pruning treatments. You can possibly remove weak shoots. However, in the case of the common hazel 'Contorta' one should pay attention to the shoots growing from the rootstock, because when they appear, they should be removed. As for the older shrubs, we cut some of the oldest shoots out at the end of winter every year. It is also worth pruning at the end of winter the southern hazel 'Purpurea' because then we will stimulate it to produce new, intensely maroon growths.
Harvesting and use of hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are harvested from September to October. They ripen unevenly, so harvesting is carried out several times. They can be eaten raw, mixed with other nuts, and are a great addition to many dishes.They can also be stored for quite a long time. Eating hazelnuts has a beneficial effect on our he alth, especially on the cardiovascular system. They are a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, magnesium and vitamin E. Hazelnuts, however, should be eaten in moderation, as 100 g of these nuts contain as much as 650 calories.
MSc Eng. Katarzyna Bańcerowska
