Hazelnuts (Filberts) have been in our diet that pre-dates antiquity. Hazelnuts have been cultivated since 4 B.C, but the recent profusion of commercial plantings didn't develop until the early 1900's. Hazelnuts traditionally harvested around the 22nd August each year in Europe, St. Philbert’s day, hence the name Filbert. It is believed that hazelnut trees migrated from China to the Black Sea.
It's said, that a Frenchman, David Gernot arrived to Oregon in the 17th Century with European hazelnut trees where he planted the first trees in the Willamette valley which reminded him of his home in France.
Jefferson Hazelnut has excellent texture and flavor, large kernel size, and kernel quality. Well suited for the blanched kernel market, chocolate products, and baked goods. Thought to be the best all around hazelnut tree variety available for home gardens and farms. Disease resistant. (just over 3 ft. when shipped)
Storing Hazelnuts
It is best to process (roast, chop, slice, grind) just before use. However, if you'd like to have hazelnuts handy for adding to a variety of dishes, then simply roast the kernels, dice and freeze in an airtight container. They will keep for over a year in the freezer and you can remove the amount you need, bring them to room temperature and use immediately.
Growing Hazelnut tree (Filbert)
USDA Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Harvest Period: Late
Bloom Period: Early
Pollination Requirement: Requires another variety for pollination
Origin Date: 1945 and beyond
Storage: 3 Months or More
Rootstock: Filbert
Years to Bear: 2-4 years
Recommended Spacing: 8-12 ft.
Mature Size: 10-12 ft.
Pruning: Summer prune to maintain 8 ft.
Water Requirements: 12-15 gallons per week May through Sept.
Shape when Shipped: 3 ft. whip
Size when shipped: Our trees range in height from 4-8 ft. in our field and trimmed to 4 to 5 ft. when shipped. Our young two year trees are most often feathered (side limbs). The trees diameter (caliper) is often 1/2 to 3/4 inch; *As noted by University of California Scientists and other qualified professionals the most successful trees often have caliper from 1/2" to 5/8" and usually establish faster than smaller and larger planting stock.
Basic idea for Pruning: Most fruit trees should be pruned in frost-free periods mid to late winter. (apricots best after bud break) Remove most vertical branches and shorten side branches. Fruiting wood is best on horizontal to 45 degree limbs.
Shipping Note: Our fruit trees and berries are delivered to you bareroot during their winter dormancy from January through May depending on USDA zone. Trees are shipped with your invoice and helpful planting directions. There is no minimum quantity required but shipping rate for an individual tree is expensive since UPS/Fed Ex charge a dimensional weight and an additional handling fee to ship a tree. You'll find it's cost effective to consider a handful of trees,vines or our helpful Tree starter kits.
