Want to Grow Hazel? Here’s How to Start from Seed!
- benmcneilly
- Dec 5
- 4 min read
Hazel trees (Corylus avellana) are a valuable addition to any garden, providing nutritious nuts, wildlife habitat, and even coppiced wood for sustainable fuel and crafts. They are particularly well-suited to cool temperate climates like Ireland, but they can also thrive in many parts of the world. While hazel can be propagated from cuttings, growing from seed is an enjoyable and rewarding process that encourages biodiversity and genetic diversity.
This guide will take you through how to germinate hazel seeds, care for seedlings, and alternative propagation methods, ensuring you grow strong, healthy trees.
Step 1: Collecting or Sourcing Hazel Nuts
Hazel trees produce nuts in autumn, which can be collected and used for planting. If you don’t have access to wild hazel trees, you can purchase viable, fresh hazelnuts, including cultivated varieties like cobnuts and filberts, from a reputable supplier. These cultivated types tend to be more productive and larger than wild hazelnuts.
How to Collect Hazel Nuts for Growing:
Gather ripe nuts in autumn (September–October) when they fall naturally from the tree.
Choose nuts that are plump, undamaged, and free of mold.
To test viability, place nuts in a bowl of water – viable seeds sink, while hollow or infertile ones float.
Step 2: How to Germinate Hazel Seeds
Hazel seeds require cold stratification, a period of chilling that mimics winter conditions to break dormancy and encourage germination.
Natural Stratification (Recommended for Temperate Climates)
If you live in a climate with cold winters (such as Ireland), you can sow hazelnuts directly into the ground in autumn and allow nature to do the work. However, be aware that rodents may find and consume them over winter. A more reliable method is to place the nuts in a bucket with holes drilled in the base and lid, filled with partially decomposed woodchips. Mixing the nuts through the woodchips and adding a few cloves of garlic helps deter rodents due to the strong smell. Leave the bucket outdoors in a cold but sheltered location, and in spring, once the nuts begin to germinate, plant them out.
Choose a planting site with well-draining soil and partial shade.
Bury each nut 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) deep to protect from animals.
Mark the area to avoid disturbing them in spring.
Germination will occur naturally in spring after winter chilling.
Artificial Stratification (For Warmer Climates)
If you live in a region with mild winters, you may need to stratify the nuts manually:
Place nuts in moist sand or peat moss in a breathable bag or container.
Store in the refrigerator (1–5°C / 34–41°F) for 90–120 days.
Check occasionally to keep them moist but not waterlogged.
After chilling, plant them in pots or directly in the garden.
Step 3: Planting Hazel Seeds
Once stratification is complete, it’s time to plant your seeds.
Best Planting Conditions:
Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Spacing: Plant seeds 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) apart.
How to Plant the Seeds:
Sow the seeds 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) deep.
Water well but avoid waterlogging.
Expect germination in spring (if naturally stratified) or 4–6 weeks (if artificially stratified).
Step 4: Caring for Hazel Seedlings
Once your hazel seedlings emerge, proper care is essential to ensure strong growth.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in dry periods.
Weeding: Remove competing weeds to ensure young seedlings get enough nutrients.
Mulching: Apply organic mulch (leaves, straw, or compost) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Protection: Use wire mesh or tree guards to protect young trees from rodents and deer.
Step 5: Transplanting & Long-Term Care
Once the seedlings are 1–2 years old and about 30–50 cm (12–20 inches) tall, they can be moved to their permanent location.
Choose a final site with good drainage and space for full growth.
Spacing: Allow at least 3–5 meters (10–16 feet) between trees.
Fertilization: Hazel trees are generally low-maintenance but benefit from compost or organic fertilizer in early spring.
Pruning: Encourage bushy growth by cutting back the leader stem in early spring.
Propagation from Suckers & Cuttings (Alternative Methods)
If you want to grow hazel quickly and maintain desirable traits, propagating from suckers or cuttings is a great option.
1. Propagation from Suckers:
Hazel naturally produces root suckers.
In autumn or early spring, carefully dig up a sucker with roots attached.
Replant it in a suitable location.
2. Propagation from Hardwood Cuttings:
Take 20 cm (8-inch) hardwood cuttings in late autumn or winter.
Remove lower leaves and insert into moist soil or pots.
Keep sheltered and moist; roots should develop in 8–12 weeks.
Common Problems & Troubleshooting
Low Germination Rates: Ensure proper stratification and protect from rodents.
Damping Off (Seedling Rot): Avoid overwatering and ensure good airflow.
Pests: Watch for aphids and caterpillars; use natural predators or neem oil.
Squirrels & Rodents: Protect seeds and seedlings with wire mesh.
Best Companion Plants for Hazel
In a permaculture system, companion planting enhances growth and reduces pests.
Comfrey: Acts as a dynamic accumulator and attracts pollinators.
Clover: Fixes nitrogen and improves soil fertility.
Blueberries: Thrive in similar soil conditions.
Wildflowers: Attract beneficial insects for pest control.
Conclusion
Growing hazel from seed is a rewarding process that encourages genetic diversity and strengthens ecosystems. While it requires patience, the result is a resilient, multi-functional tree that provides food, habitat, and sustainable materials.
For faster results, propagation from suckers or cuttings is a reliable alternative. Whether you're looking to grow hazelnuts for food, wildlife support, or reforestation, adding hazel trees to your landscape is a step toward greater sustainability and biodiversity.
Happy growing!
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