- novelty
Cosford Hazel tree
Corylus avellana Cosford
Description
Cosford Hazel tree – Corylus avellana 'Cosford'
Main interest
The Cosford Hazel (Corylus avellana 'Cosford') is a highly valued fruit shrub thanks to its abundant harvest of elongated hazelnuts of excellent taste. These firm, aromatic nuts, harvested from September to late October, are prized for their delicate flavor and crunchy texture, perfect for fresh eating or baking.
Beyond its fruit value, this cultivar is also a hardy and ornamental shrub, able to withstand temperatures as low as –30 °C. Its rounded habit and bright green foliage make it an attractive feature in any orchard or country hedge. It is highly compatible with pollinators such as ‘Corabel’, ‘Nottingham’, ‘Longue d’Espagne’, ‘Ennis’, ‘Butler’, ‘Merveille de Bollwiller’, and ‘Webb’s Prize Cob’, ensuring regular and generous fruiting. Combining productivity, rusticity and superior nut quality, Corylus avellana 'Cosford' is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking reliable and tasty hazelnuts.
Origin and characteristics
Geographic origin: Native to Europe and Asia Minor, cultivated since antiquity. ‘Cosford’ originated from British horticultural selections.
Botanical family: Betulaceae.
Notable features: Famous for its superior nut quality and heavy yields. Extremely hardy.
Description: Deciduous shrub, bushy habit, catkins in winter, elongated and aromatic nuts in clusters.
- Mature height : 3 to 5 meters.
- Mature width : 2 to 3 meters.
- Habit : Bushy and spreading shrub, with multiple stems.
- Bark : Smooth grey, turning rough with age. Young shoots reddish-brown.
- Leaves : Rounded, toothed, bright green, turning golden yellow in autumn.
- Growth : Fast and vigorous, well suited to orchards and hedgerows.
- Hardiness : Down to –30 °C.
Flowering and fruiting
Flowering time: February – March.
Flowers: Yellow male catkins, tiny red-tipped female flowers.
Fruits: Elongated hazelnuts, firm and aromatic, harvested September – October.
Ecological role: Early pollen source and shelter for small fauna.
Exposure and soil
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil type: Fertile, well-drained, neutral to calcareous.
Planting
Soil preparation: Enrich with compost, mulch to conserve moisture.
Spacing: 4 to 5 meters for cross-pollination.
Soil nature: Neutral to calcareous, fertile, deep.
Watering
At planting: Regular watering during establishment.
Maturity: Drought tolerant, additional watering in summer improves fruit set.
Pruning
When and how: After harvest, remove dead or old wood. Thin every 3–4 years.
Propagation
Methods: Layering, suckers, grafting.
Garden uses
Ideal location: Orchard, as a solitary shrub, or in mixed hedgerows.
Recommended associations: Apple, pear, plum, or other hazelnuts.
Traditional uses
Hazelnuts have been eaten since antiquity, fresh, roasted or in baking. Wood used for tool handles and weaving.
Protection against diseases
Susceptibilities: Hazelnut weevil, aphids, mildew.
Prevention: Collect fallen nuts, encourage biodiversity, use natural sprays.
Tips for best growth
Plant with pollinators, protect young plants from wind, mulch base, avoid stagnant water.
Cultivar differences and specifics
‘Cosford’ stands out for its elongated, aromatic nuts with excellent flavor and consistent productivity. Its cold hardiness and reliable yields make it one of the most trusted cultivars for home orchards.
Features
- Common name : Cosford Hazel tree
- Family : Betulaceae
- Category : fruit tree
- Spread : 2 to 3 m
- Foliage : deciduous
- Fruit : Elongated, firm and fragrant hazelnuts
- Harvest : end of September - October
- Use : isolated - shrubbery - hedge
- Soil : rich and well-drained
- Habit : bushy
- Enemies : nut weevil (Curculio nucum)
- Possible diseases : moniliosis
Expédition & livraison
How does the delivery work?
As soon as you place your order your plants are selected
Each order is processed individually.
Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
Packaging is carefully implemented to avoid any problems.
Packages are ready to be shipped.
Our delivery methods
Shipping of our plants throughout Europe (except overseas and islands).
Customer reviews