Hazel Tree

This Hazel Tree, (Corylus avellana) has been bred to fruit when young and should produce it’s first fruit next year.

Hazel trees can live for decades and will eventually reach a 2-3m in height. They are completely frost hardy and will do well in a range of soils and situations. Like most trees they don’t need a lot of pruning or care and this variety is self-fertile so can be planted on its own rather than as an orchard.

Whilst your plant is in a small pot it will need regular watering. Aim to water it heavily and then allow the top of the compost to dry out before watering heavily again. As soon as practical your hazel tree will benefit from being planted out in the garden or potted up in a much larger pot. Add a top dressing of well rotted manure or other rich compost to help your plant settle in.

These plants are already 2 years old and take around 10 years to fully mature. In the meantime you should still get small crops of tasty fruits from next October.

Problem solving

Your plant shouldn’t need much feeding but if you are keeping it in the small pot for a while or the leaves start to appear pale of mottled then a good general purpose feed will always give it a good boost.

Hazel trees are deciduous so don’t be alarmed if it starts to lose its leaves in winter. These plants are reasonably hardy but if we do have particularly cold spells (-5C or colder) then a fleece or heavy straw mulch will give your plant a bit more protection especially in the first couple of years.