This Spring I ordered two new trees from Grimonut. I took out the original Skinner Hazelnut from the front of our place that hasn't done as well (winter kill and has never looked overly healthy) and planted an Andrew (see the description from the Grimonut web site:
'AndrewTM' is a medium size "Asian/Quebec source" tree growing to about 3-4 m tall and spreading about 3 m (12' tall & 10' wide). It is productive and highly blight resistant. It is being tested as a pollinizer variety for later ripening commercial cultivars. We have only allele 27 identified in the pair so far. The nuts are medium size, round and ripen late August. Suited for climate zones 3b-8.
I also put in a Northern Hazel Sdlg (Wisconsin Source):
These are hazel hybrids crossed with European hazels with years of exposure to the Wisconsin & Minnesota climate. They are productive trees with moderately thick shells. There is wide variation in tree size, nut size and the ease of husking. Suited for climate zone 3-8.
An update on the previous Hazelnut varieties: Most of the original trees are still doing well. Those continue to produce nuts, some years more than others. Most are up around 12 feet high. The bluejays now frequent our yard and get most of the nuts before we can harvest those. The original red-leafed German hazelnuts have not done as well in recent years. Those are susceptible to winter kill but continue to grow back and don't look as good as they once did a few years ago. We hate to get rid of those since the leaves are large and have ornamental appeal.
Advice: If you intend to grow Hazelnuts in Alberta, I recommend a location with rich deep soil wind protection and full sun. I irrigate frequently after planting and once those are established I use soaker hoses during dry spells.
Advice: If you intend to grow Hazelnuts in Alberta, I recommend a location with rich deep soil wind protection and full sun. I irrigate frequently after planting and once those are established I use soaker hoses during dry spells.