Hazelnuts are a beloved nut, often used in desserts and confectionery. But can they grow in the tropics?
It’s a question that many nut enthusiasts have asked, and the answer may surprise you.
In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of growing hazelnuts in tropical climates. We’ll look at the ideal conditions for growth, the challenges that come with it, and whether it’s worth the effort.
So sit back, grab a handful of hazelnuts (if you have them), and let’s dive in!
Can Hazelnuts Grow In The Tropics
Hazelnuts are typically grown in temperate climates with cool summers and mild winters. However, with the right conditions, they can also thrive in tropical regions.
The ideal climate for hazelnut growth in the tropics is one with moderate temperatures and consistent moisture. Hazelnuts require well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, and they do best in areas with an average annual rainfall of over 900mm.
One of the biggest challenges of growing hazelnuts in the tropics is the hot and dry summers. Hazelnuts require a cool winter to provide a sufficient chill to break the dormancy of the flowering and vegetative buds. In areas with excessively hot summers, hazelnuts may not produce as efficiently.
Another challenge is finding hazelnut cultivars that are suited for tropical climates. Good cultivator selection can improve results, but it may take some trial and error to find the right variety.
Despite these challenges, growing hazelnuts in the tropics can be worth the effort. Hazelnuts are rich in protein and unsaturated fat, making them a healthy addition to any diet. They can be eaten raw or toasted and used in a variety of dishes, from cakes to confectionery.
Ideal Growing Conditions For Hazelnuts
To grow hazelnuts successfully in the tropics, it is important to provide the ideal growing conditions. Here are some key factors to consider:
Climate: Hazelnuts require a moderate climate with cool or moist summers and mild cool winters. Tropical or subtropical climates can be ideal for growth, but cultivator selection is important. Hazelnuts need a cool winter to break dormancy and produce efficiently.
Soil: Hazelnuts require well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. The soil should not be too heavy, shallow, or poorly drained. Most of the tree’s roots are found in the first meter of soil, but active root systems need to penetrate 2-3 meters.
Moisture: Hazelnuts flourish in moderately well-drained soils. Soils that retain too much water or drain too much water as well will not encourage healthy growth. An average annual rainfall of over 900mm is desirable, with supplementary irrigation to overcome moisture deficits in the years of below-average rainfall.
Fertilizer: Rich soils cause the plant to leaf at the expense of fruit. Avoid overly fertile grounds and use minimal fertilizer.
Sunlight: Hazelnuts need direct sunlight for approximately four hours a day to encourage fruit yield. However, they can tolerate growing under shade if the area is hot and dry.
Location: Avoid planting hazelnut trees in frost pockets in cold areas and extremely windy locations in hot regions. Create shelter and set up an irrigation plant to prevent the hazelnut plant from drying out or dying in very dry and hot climates.
Challenges Of Growing Hazelnuts In The Tropics
Growing hazelnuts in the tropics presents several challenges that must be overcome to ensure a successful harvest. One of the biggest challenges is the hot and dry summers, which can be detrimental to the growth and development of the hazelnut trees. Hazelnuts require a cool winter to provide a sufficient chill to break the dormancy of the flowering and vegetative buds. Without this dormancy period, the trees may not produce as efficiently, resulting in lower yields.
Another challenge is finding hazelnut cultivars that are suited for tropical climates. Hazelnuts grow best in areas with cool or moist summers and mild cool winters or in maritime climates. Tropical regions, on the other hand, are characterized by high temperatures and humidity, which may not be suitable for hazelnut growth. Good cultivator selection can improve results, but it may take some trial and error to find the right variety that can thrive in tropical conditions.
Hazelnuts also require well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. In areas with heavy rainfall or poor drainage, hazelnut trees may suffer from root rot or other soil-borne diseases. Soil fertility is also a concern, as overly rich soil can cause the plant to leaf at the expense of fruit. Therefore, it is important to avoid overly fertile grounds and ensure that the soil is low on nutrients.
Finally, hazelnuts need direct sunlight for approximately four hours each day to encourage more fruit yield. However, in hot and dry areas, it is important to provide some shade to prevent the hazelnut plant from drying out or dying. A sheltered area with a reliable source of irrigation is essential in hot climates.
Despite these challenges, growing hazelnuts in the tropics can be worth the effort. Hazelnuts are rich in protein and unsaturated fat, making them a healthy addition to any diet. With proper care and attention to their specific needs, hazelnut trees can thrive in tropical regions and provide a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious nuts.
Varieties Of Hazelnuts That Can Thrive In Tropical Climates
While many hazelnut varieties are better suited for temperate climates, there are a few that can thrive in tropical regions. Here are some of the best hazelnut varieties to consider if you’re planning to grow hazelnuts in the tropics:
1. Barcelona: This variety is known for its large, round nuts and high yields. It is a vigorous grower and can tolerate a range of soil types, making it a good choice for tropical regions.
2. Tonda di Giffoni: This Italian variety is well-suited for warmer climates and produces medium-sized nuts with a sweet flavor. It is also resistant to pests and diseases.
3. Hall’s Giant: This variety is a hybrid between two other hazelnut varieties and is known for its large nuts and high yields. It can tolerate a range of soil types and is well-suited for tropical regions.
4. Jefferson: This variety produces medium-sized nuts with a rich, buttery flavor. It is also resistant to pests and diseases and can tolerate a range of soil types.
5. Yamhill: This variety is known for its high yields and medium-sized nuts with a sweet flavor. It is also resistant to pests and diseases and can tolerate a range of soil types.
When selecting hazelnut cultivars for tropical regions, it’s important to choose varieties that are disease-resistant and well-suited for warmer temperatures. With the right cultivar selection and growing conditions, hazelnuts can be a valuable addition to any tropical food forest.
Tips For Growing Hazelnuts In The Tropics
If you’re considering growing hazelnuts in the tropics, here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Choose the right location: Hazelnuts need at least four hours of direct sunlight per day, but they can also tolerate partial shade in areas with intense direct sunlight. Avoid planting in frost pockets or extremely windy locations.
2. Select the right cultivar: Look for hazelnut cultivars that are suited for tropical climates. Good cultivator selection can improve results, but it may take some trial and error to find the right variety.
3. Provide adequate moisture: Hazelnuts flourish in moderately well-drained soils, but soils that retain too much water or drain too much water as well will not encourage healthy growth. Set up an irrigation system to prevent the hazelnut plant from drying out or dying during hot and dry seasons.
4. Avoid overly fertile soils: Rich soils cause the plant to leaf at the expense of fruit. Avoid overly fertile grounds and make sure the soil is low on nutrients and primarily neutral.
5. Pollination: Hazels are wind-pollinated, and it’s recommended to plant 2 or more different cultivars to increase the likelihood of pollination occurring. Wild growing hazel nearby will serve as good pollinating agents for most cultivars.
By following these tips, you can successfully grow hazelnuts in the tropics and enjoy their nutritious and delicious benefits.
Harvesting And Using Hazelnuts Grown In Tropical Climates
Harvesting hazelnuts grown in tropical climates requires careful attention to the ripening process. Hazelnuts should be harvested when they are just beginning to turn brown, before they fully ripen and drop from the tree. This will ensure that they are not eaten by wild animals before you can harvest them.
To harvest, simply twist the clusters off of the tree. It is important to harvest sustainably, leaving the majority of nuts on each tree intact for wildlife.
Once harvested, hazelnuts can be used in a variety of ways. They can be eaten raw or toasted, and used in baking or as a topping for salads and other dishes. Hazelnut oil is also a popular ingredient in cooking and can be used as a substitute for other oils.
To store hazelnuts, it is best to keep them in a cool, dry place. They can be stored in an airtight container or bag for several months. To extend their shelf life, hazelnuts can also be frozen.
Is It Worth Growing Hazelnuts In The Tropics?
Growing hazelnuts in the tropics can be a profitable venture. While it may take up to six years for the trees to produce a significant amount of nuts, once they do, the direct wholesale pricing can bring in up to $5000 per acre. This is significantly more than the average yield of other crops grown in the same area, such as corn.
Hazelnuts also require similar annual input costs as corn and are native, making organic sustainability achievable. They are wind-pollinated, so no bees or butterflies are needed for pollination, and two pollen compatible strains of hybrid trees can be planted in an orchard.
The majority of the cost to establish an orchard is in the first two years, with field clearing, pH adjustment, and deer fencing being necessary. Protection from animals is needed for the first three years until the tree is large enough to not be bothered. Young hazel trees need irrigation until their roots grow deep enough to not need it anymore.
While there are challenges in growing hazelnuts in the tropics, such as hot and dry summers and finding the right cultivars, the potential profitability and nutritional benefits make it worth considering as a crop.
