Plant library
Perennial food
Hazelnut
Corylus americana
Zones 4–9
A protein crop that plants itself — native hazels shrug off pests and drop nuts for 40+ years, feeding your family and your pigs or chickens.
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Water
moderate
Spacing
10-15 ft apart
Soil
Any well-drained, pH 6.0-7.0
Difficulty
moderate
Zones
4–9
When to plant
Mar
Apr
Oct
Nov
Timing shifts with your zone — the Genie can pin down exact dates for you.
How to care for it
Plant at least two for pollination, 10-15 ft apart. Multi-stemmed shrub that forms a hedge; suckers can be dug for new plants. Little care needed once established.
Good companions
Currants and elderberry in a hedgerow
Harvest
Harvest when husks brown and nuts drop; dry 2 weeks in shells, then crack or store whole.
Want a plan for growing Hazelnut?
Your Genie can give exact timing and care for your zone.
