When is the best time to plant hazelnut saplings?

The hazelnut is also called the mountain chestnut, and is known as one of the four great dried nuts. Its distribution range is very wide; in our country it is mainly distributed in the northern regions of Northeast China, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi and Shandong. There were originally many wild hazelnut forests, and there is also a history of artificial cultivation and selection going back many years. To understand hazelnut cultivation, you can start by learning about the planting time.

1. Planting time

Hazelnuts are planted in the Liaoning region of Northeast China in April, and the whole of April is suitable for planting, but in the Jilin region both April and May work, so the timing is a bit more flexible. Generally the planting time is not restricted too tightly; a few days earlier or later is fine. In the Hebei region, planting can begin in late March, and in the Yellow River and Yangtze River basins it can begin in February to March, since temperatures rise faster there, and planting should not go beyond March. Planting is generally done in spring; autumn planting is also possible, but growth is not as good as in spring, and there is more management to do in winter, so it is generally not suitable.

2. Propagation method

The method most commonly used in production is cutting propagation, usually softwood cuttings; hardwood is difficult to root. During cutting, air humidity is very important and should generally be kept above 95%, which roughly means the retained leaves will not wither. Air humidity is mainly maintained not by watering but by frequent misting, with atomized water spray. A protected environment is needed for the cuttings. Keep them warm and moist.

3. Planting method

After the branches root, they gradually grow into seedlings, and the saplings gradually grow. Generally they need to be cultivated for a longer period; when the saplings have grown to a length of 1 meter, they can be transplanted. At this point the trunk is relatively firm, making planting and management easier, and once growth is vertical and stable, it is suitable for future shaping. The planting density may need to be on the sparse side, leaving space for the saplings as they grow. Roughly 4 m between rows and about 3 m between plants; different varieties have different tree sizes, so this can be adjusted.

4. Management and maintenance

After planting, the main management tasks for hazelnuts include watering, fertilizing and pruning. Build a watering basin around the base of the tree, a circular basin about one meter in diameter. This is because hazelnut watering requires thorough soaking at one time. In the first year after planting, the main thing is simply to let it grow; in the second year, when the branches and leaves are full, prune to set the trunk. The common form is the clumping type, directly keeping three basal shoots and gradually developing side branches later. For the single-trunk type, keep the main trunk and then develop side branches level by level. Apply topdressing twice, once in May and once in July, using farmyard manure together with compound fertilizer, and water after application.

The hazelnut planting time is roughly between February and May depending on the region and timing. Adjust according to the regional climate and environment. When planting hazelnuts, you should also pay attention to the planting method and some specific management details. These all fall under cultivation practices.