Delicate Round Hazelnut of Langhe

This hazel bush is widely planted, as the nuts are so delicious; Corylus avellana Tonda Gentile delle Langhe is a fast-growing, suckering, deciduous shrub or small tree, giving a high annual yield of early, high-quality hazelnuts with a refined taste and a thin (but hard) shell.  The large, heart-shaped  leaves with obvious veins are green, turning a lovely shade of yellow in autumn. Yellow male catkins appear as early as January; you might not notice the female flowers, which come out slightly later, but this hazelnut needs cross-pollination, so plant compatible partners nearby. Plant hazels in a square, not a row, so they can benefit from wind-pollination whatever the direction of the wind. Plant in October or November, so it can get its roots down before heavy frosts. This is an early hazelnut; pick when the shells are hard and brown, but before they fall, or the squirrels get them. Make sure they are thoroughly dry before storing.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any light, moist but well drained, or well-drained alkaline to neutral soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Pick: From end of August through to the end of September
Keep: Dry thoroughly, then they will keep until New Year in a tin
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Pollination: Needs a pollination partner, like Cosford or Hall’s Giant
Uses: Eating fresh, ground into flour, pressed for oil, or made into hazelnut butter