Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
trialled, but with limited success. So hazels are
grown on their own roots and continue to
sucker freely - certainly an opportunity to
increase yours or others stock of hazelnut trees,
and a constant source of maintenance (see
Figure 3.30, page 46). In order to get
maximum light into the canopy the open vase
tree shape is recommended (see page 130,
'Free-standing fruit trees').
the tiny female flowers. Hazels are self-sterile
so they need a compatible companion tree to
fruit. If you are planning a large plantation
allow one pollinator to four or five good
cropping cultivars. A little research will
prevent disappointment.
The female flowers are borne on strong
shoots about 20 to 30 cm long formed the
previous year. There are usually plenty of
males about but female flowers can be elusive,
so maximise the harvest by encouraging
this wood.
At planting, some sources recommend
removing dormant buds. Disbudding the
upper root system and on the proposed trunk
can prevent suckering. Use a sharp knife to
cut/scoop out the bud completely (see
'Disbudding', page 43).
Male flower production can be adversely
affected by heat. The dormant buds can be
killed by temperatures over 21°C. Remember
that the temperature under a hazel leaf will
be lower than the general air temperature,
but it will be sound practice to plant your
hazels away from the hot western sun in
warm areas.
Fruitingwood
Hazels are monoecious, meaning that they
carry separate male and female flowers on
the same plant (see Figure 6.21). The quietly
elegant male catkins appear first followed by
Pruningtime
Hazels can be pruned in autumn after
harvest, removing stems that have already
borne nuts, but major pruning should be
carried out in late winter to spring after the
catkins have fallen.
It is an English habit to 'brut' their hazels in
summer. This involves breaking by hand, but
not severing, the vigorous new growth to
promote the production of female flowers
the following year. The semi-broken stems
are not removed until winter. I have no
knowledge of its efficacy, but imagine that
the interruption of the flow of the cambium
(see page 1) would slow its flow and promote
fruiting wood, much like the practice of
espalier.
Figure 6.21
Hazelnut's male flowers (catkins, pictured)
are carried on the ends of branches. The insignificant
female flowers are borne at the base of one-year-old
growth.
