The Selected Seedling Hybrid Hazelnuts (Corylus spp. hybrids) are the industry standard for hedgerow-type plantings, known for their robust growth and high yields. These shrubs typically reach a mature height of 8-12 feet and produce nut clusters that ripen from mid-August through mid-September. Harvesting can be done by hand or with a straddle harvester. Rich in vitamin E—more than almonds—these nuts can be enjoyed fresh or cooked, making them a versatile addition to any diet.
Our breeding goals for these hybrids include youthful bearing, high yields, pest and disease resistance, and suitability for low-input and certified organic conditions. All seeds are open-pollinated, and the genetics are maintained in the public domain, ensuring accessibility for all growers. Only the best plants are allowed to shed pollen in our controlled breeding plots, with inferior plants being eliminated through a rigorous selection process.
Plant Characteristics:
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Scientific Name: Corylus spp. hybrids
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Size & Shape: Grows 8-12 feet tall with a bushy appearance; suitable for hedgerows.
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Fruit Type: Nut clusters enclosed in fringed husks (involucres), rich in vitamin E.
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Flowering: Flowers appear in early spring, with nut development occurring through late summer.
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Ecological Benefits: Provides critical habitat for insects, arachnids, amphibians, reptiles, and migrating songbirds; contributes to soil health and biodiversity.
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Wildlife Benefits: Nuts are a nutritious food source for various wildlife; dense growth provides cover and nesting sites.
Growing Conditions:
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Sun Requirement: Prefers full sun for optimal nut production.
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Water Requirement: Moderate water needs; adaptable to various soil types.
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Hardiness Zone: Yields crops across USDA hardiness zones 3-7.
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Soil Preference: Thrives in fertile, well-drained soils but is adaptable to a wide range of conditions.
The Selected Seedling Hybrid Hazelnuts are vital for agroforestry systems focused on ecological restoration and sustainable farming. Their ornamental nut clusters and stunning autumn colors, ranging from yellow to red and orange, add aesthetic value to landscapes. By incorporating these hazelnuts into your landscape, you will enhance biodiversity while enjoying the benefits of nutrient-rich nuts, making them an essential addition to any agroforestry project.
The parents of our strain of hazelnuts come from the breeding programs of Jack Gellatley in Alberta, George Slate & others from Geneva, New York, Cecil Ferris of Michigan, Badgersett Research of Minnesota, Carl Weschke, the University of Wisconsin, and New Forest Farms all in Wisconsin. Wild American Hazelnut selections from high altitude Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, New York and Maine have also found their way into our breeding program.
