The hazelnut tree, belonging to the genus Corylus, is a versatile plant cultivated globally for its edible nuts and valued in landscaping for its attractive foliage and manageable size. These deciduous species, often referred to as filberts, are native to various regions across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. The growth habit and speed of the hazelnut make it a popular choice for both commercial and home use.
Annual Growth Speed of Hazelnut Trees
Hazelnut trees are generally classified as having a moderate to fast growth rate compared to slower-growing nut trees like pecans or walnuts. The most vigorous growth occurs in the first two years after planting, where a young tree can add up to 3 feet (about 1 meter) of height annually under ideal conditions. This initial rapid expansion allows the plant to quickly establish its branching framework and root system.
Once established, the growth speed naturally moderates to about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) per year. This slower, steady growth phase indicates the tree is redirecting energy from vegetative growth toward nut production. This medium growth habit allows the tree to achieve a useful size relatively quickly, which is desirable for growers seeking a faster return on investment.
Environmental and Cultivation Factors
The actual growth rate achieved by a hazelnut tree depends heavily on specific environmental conditions and cultivation practices. Soil quality is a primary determinant, as hazelnuts require well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil. They are susceptible to root rot in heavy clay or waterlogged conditions. The tree performs optimally in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5.
Adequate sunlight is also necessary, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sun daily for robust growth and maximum nut yield. Consistent water availability modifies the growth rate, with young trees needing regular irrigation until their roots are deep enough to sustain themselves during dry periods.
The specific variety planted introduces a genetic variable, as European hazelnuts (Corylus avellana) often have different vigor than the more cold-tolerant American hazelnuts (Corylus americana). Pruning is used to manage the tree’s shape and direct its energy, but it does not inherently increase the annual growth speed.
Mature Height and Growth Habit
Hazelnuts naturally grow as multi-stemmed shrubs, resulting in a dense, bushy form typically reaching a height of 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters). This multi-stemmed structure is common in the wild and provides an excellent hedge or thicket.
When cultivated for orchard production or a formal landscape appearance, the plant is often trained into a single-trunk tree form by removing suckers from the base. This training allows the tree to grow taller, generally reaching 14 to 16 feet (4.3 to 4.9 meters), with some varieties reaching up to 20 feet (6 meters). The mature spread can range from 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.6 meters), creating a rounded canopy.
Timeline to Nut Bearing
Many hazelnut varieties begin to produce their first small crop of nuts within three to five years after planting. While this early production is exciting for the home grower, it is typically not considered a commercially viable yield.
Achieving a substantial, commercially significant harvest generally requires six to ten years from planting. The necessity of cross-pollination is a significant factor, as hazelnuts are wind-pollinated and most varieties are self-incompatible, meaning they cannot pollinate their own female flowers. Growers must plant at least two different, compatible varieties to ensure pollen transfer, otherwise, the timeline for nut set will be delayed indefinitely.