Filbert Care Guide

Filberts also called hazelnuts or hazels, filberts are deciduous shrubs 6' to 30' which produce small nuts in the fall. They grow best in zones 8 and 9 in the Northwest, but to well in 6 and 7 pretty much throughout the country. Self-unfruitful; plant at least two varieties.

Culture
Plant filberts in a spot protected from bitter winter winds. The plants do not have tap roots, but put down very deep roots. They should have a deep, well drained, fertile, humus soil. In colder climates, where plants don't grow as large they need a space only 10 to 12' across.

Because filberts are small trees, it is more practical to mulch then than larger nut trees. Use hay, leaves, or other organic material. The nutrients the mulch contributes to the soil is important to maintain of vigorous growth and good nut production. Further to promote growth, you should fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer such as 20-10-10. Apply 1/2 cup after the young plants are making growth; 1 cup the next year; and from then on increase the dosage by 1 cup a year until you reach 6. This is about the maximum for cold climates; but in milder areas, you can increase the supply 30 to 50%.

Filberts start to bear two or three years after they are planted. They reach good production three or four years later, but are likely to become erratic after ten years unless they are pruned severely.

Nuts are harvested from the ground after they drop. If the husks remain, these must be removed. The nuts should then be spread out in a warm dry, shady place to dry.