Overview
Corylus maxima Miller, commonly known as the Filbert tree or Giant Filbert, is a deciduous plant from the Betulaceae family. It is grown for its nuts and ornamental value, with its rounded shape and attractive foliage.
Origin
The Filbert tree is native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. It is widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including North America, for its commercial value.
Common Names
The plant has a number of common names including Filbert tree, Giant Filbert, Hazel tree, European Filbert, and Turkish Hazel. The name Filbert comes from the Anglo-Saxon word full beard, which refers to the hairy husk that covers the nut.
Uses
Corylus maxima Miller is grown for its nuts, which are used for human consumption and for oil production. The nuts are also a popular ingredient in confectionery and baking. In addition to its commercial value, the Filbert tree is also grown for its ornamental value. Its leaves turn yellow in autumn, making it a valuable addition to any landscape or garden.
General Appearance
The Filbert tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a rounded shape with a broad crown. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown, while its leaves are heart-shaped and have a serrated edge. The leaves have a dark green color and turn yellow in autumn. The flowers of the Filbert tree are yellowish-brown and appear in late winter or early spring. The nut of the plant is a large, smooth, and oval-shaped nut that is covered in a hairy husk.
Light Requirements
Corylus maxima Miller typically requires moderate levels of sunlight to thrive. It can grow in partial shade but prefers more direct exposure to the sun for optimal growth. In areas with hot summers and intense sunlight, it may benefit from some protection during the hottest part of the day when the sun is at its highest and brightest.
Temperature Requirements
Corylus maxima Miller is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures. It is most commonly found in areas with cold winters and mild summers. It can withstand temperatures as low as -30 °F (-34 °C) but does not do well in extreme heat. High temperatures and prolonged exposure to direct sun can cause wilting and damage to the leaves and stems.
Soil Requirements
Corylus maxima Miller grows best in well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal health and growth. The plant does not tolerate waterlogging or poorly drained soil. It does well in areas with periods of drought as long as it is watered regularly and the soil remains moist.
Cultivation
Corylus maxima Miller, also known as filbert or hazelnut, thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. They prefer areas that receive full sun to partial shade, depending on the amount of sunlight available in your location.
Before planting, it's advisable to incorporate compost or aged manure into the soil to increase fertility. Plant the seedlings during the dormant season, spaced 15 to 20 feet apart.
Regular pruning should be done in winter to maintain their shape and prevent overcrowding.
Watering Needs
Corylus maxima Miller requires an adequate supply of water, especially during the first growing season. However, they do not tolerate water-logged soils, so ensure good drainage by avoiding areas with compacted soil. After the first season, a deep soaking once a week should be sufficient except during periods of drought, where more water is necessary.
Fertilization
Fertilizing is essential when growing Corylus maxima Miller. Fertilize during the spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as one with a ratio of 10-10-10. You can also apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the growing season, up until mid-summer, to enhance growth. Avoid fertilizing after mid-summer because it can delay the ripening of the nuts.
Pruning
Prune Corylus maxima Miller in winter by removing dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Trim the lateral branches to maintain their shape and size and remove any suckers that grow from the base.
If you wish to reduce the plant's height, remove the tallest central stem to encourage the lateral branches to grow.
Always use clean, sharp cutting tools to avoid damaging the plant's bark.
Propagation of Corylus maxima Miller
Corylus maxima Miller, commonly called filbert or hazelnut, is a deciduous plant that belongs to the Betulaceae family. Growing this plant from seed is possible, but it takes a longer time to get mature plants. The best way to propagate Corylus maxima Miller is through cutting propagation or budding.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is the process of rooting stem cuttings to develop new plants. The ideal time to take cuttings from the filbert or hazelnut plant is during the dormant season, which is usually from late November to early April. Follow these steps for successful cutting propagation:
- Take cuttings from one-year-old wood that is about 1/2 inch thick and 8-12 inches long.
- Remove all the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder.
- Insert the cutting into a soilless potting mix that contains perlite, vermiculite, or sand.
- Water the cutting until the soil is moist.
- Cover the pot and cutting with a plastic bag to create a high-humidity environment.
- Place the pot in a warm location with indirect sunlight.
- Remove the plastic bag when new growth appears, and the cuttings have rooted.
- Transplant the rooted cutting into a bigger container or outdoors, depending on the season and weather conditions.
Budding
Budding is another propagation method that is commonly used for Corylus maxima Miller plants. It involves attaching a bud from a scion of a desirable cultivar onto a rootstock of another plant. The rootstock can be any variety of Corylus avellana or Corylus colurna. Here are the steps to follow for successful budding:
- Select a rootstock plant that is compatible with Corylus maxima Miller and has a stem diameter that matches the diameter of the chosen bud.
- Cut a T-shaped incision on the rootstock branch, and lift the flaps of bark to expose the inner wood.
- Remove a bud from a scion of a desirable cultivar, making sure to collect some bark tissue with the bud.
- Insert the bud into the T-shaped incision, making sure the cambium layers match.
- Wrap the bud with a budding tape or rubber band to keep it in place.
- Check after two weeks if the bud has formed a connection with the rootstock and if the tape or rubber band can be removed.
- Trim the rootstock above the budding point after six weeks.
Corylus maxima Miller is a delicious and nutty-flavored plant that is well worth propagating. Grow your plant collection or start a filbert orchard by trying out these propagation methods for success!
Disease and Pest Management for Corylus maxima Miller
Corylus maxima Miller, commonly known as the Filbert or Hazelnut tree, is a relatively hardy plant that is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. The following are some of the most common pests and diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Pests
Filbert Aphids: These tiny sap-sucking insects can distort and stunt plant growth and cause leaf curling. To control them, release natural predators like ladybugs or use insecticidal soap.
Hazelnut Weevils: These pests typically target the nuts of the plant and can cause significant damage. To manage this pest, you can use sticky bands or spray insecticides.
Common Diseases
Eastern Filbert Blight: This disease primarily affects the leaves, twigs, and branches of the hazelnut tree. Symptoms include cankers, leaf wilt, and dieback of branches. Prune branches infected with cankers and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
Bacterial Blight: This disease is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas syringae and can affect leaves, twigs, and nuts. Symptoms include the wilting and death of leaves and twigs. To manage this disease, prune affected branches and destroy them. Also, avoid over-watering and over-fertilizing the plant.
Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease typically affects leaves, causing circular spots with a dark margin. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of spores.
Effective management of pests and diseases in Corylus maxima Miller is crucial to maintain healthy plant growth and optimal nut production. Regular inspection of the plant and timely intervention can go a long way in preventing major damage to the plant.
