Hazel
Corylus avellana
Hazel is a charming, multi-stemmed native tree or large shrub with soft, downy leaves, elegant yellow catkins in February, and clusters of hazelnuts in autumn that are prized by squirrels, dormice, and foragers alike. It is the traditional material for hurdle fencing and bean poles, and coppices beautifully. Plant bare-root whips in November–March in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. Space 45cm apart for a hedge or 3m for a coppice stool. Coppice by cutting all stems to 15cm above ground every 7–10 years in winter for a fresh crop of straight poles and vigorous regrowth.
Plan where to grow Hazel using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Plant Hazel
Plant hazel in November, December, January, February, March. It flowers from January to March.
Companion Plants for Hazel
- Blackberry
Hazel and bramble grow together naturally in native hedgerows, and both provide food for wildlife (and you) in late summer and autumn.
- Anemone
Wood anemones are the traditional spring carpet under hazel coppice, flowering before the hazel's leaves shade the ground.
Expected Yield
A coppiced hazel stool produces straight pea sticks and bean poles every 7–10 years.
Pruning Hazel
For poles and bean sticks, coppice hazel to about 15cm above ground in winter (November to February) every few years. Trees grown for nuts are pruned in winter after the catkins have shed their pollen, thinning to an open goblet shape, and in August the strongest side shoots can be partly snapped and left hanging ('brutting') to encourage more flowering spurs.
Common Problems with Hazel
Squirrels take all the nuts before they ripen
This is almost inevitable. Harvest early when husks begin to yellow, then finish ripening indoors in a warm dry place.
Coppiced stools produce twisted, unusable poles
Twisted regrowth usually results from poor initial cutting angle. Cut stems cleanly at a slight slant just above a bud, and thin to 5–7 strong shoots.
Few catkins and nuts after planting
Hazel needs cross-pollination. Plant at least two trees or ensure wild hazels are nearby. Young plants also take 3–5 years to begin heavy cropping.
Hazel: common questions
When should I plant hazel in the UK?
Plant hazel from November to March.
How far apart should I plant hazel?
Space hazel about 3m apart. It grows to around 6m tall.
When is hazel ready to harvest?
In the UK, hazel is usually harvested from August to October.
When does hazel flower?
Hazel usually flowers from January to March in the UK.
When should I prune hazel?
For poles and bean sticks, coppice hazel to about 15cm above ground in winter (November to February) every few years. Trees grown for nuts are pruned in winter after the catkins have shed their pollen, thinning to an open goblet shape, and in August the strongest side shoots can be partly snapped and left hanging ('brutting') to encourage more flowering spurs.
What grows well with hazel?
Good companions for hazel include Blackberry and Anemone. See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
Is hazel frost hardy?
Yes. Hazel is hardy and survives a normal UK winter outdoors.
Plan your hazel in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
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