hazelnut

The ‘Red Dragon’ variety of hazelnut (Corylus avellana) requires regular watering for healthy growth. The plant should be watered every 5-7 days, providing approximately 1.5-2 inches of water each time. Pay attention to the weather and environmental conditions as this will affect the amount of water your hazelnut requires. In hot weather when the soil is dry, water may need to be applied more often; whereas during cool and/or rainy weather, it may need to be watered less frequently. Also, sandy, fast-draining soils dry out quicker than soils with higher clay content and will require more frequent irrigations. Monitor the soil moisture in order to ensure that your hazelnut is getting the right amount of water at the right time.

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana 'Red Dragon') prefers to grow in full sun, which means it needs at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. In the summer, when the days are longer and the Sun is higher in the sky, this plant thrives with 8 hours of sunlight each day in order to produce its best fruit. In the winter months, when the Sun is lower in the sky, this plant will still benefit from at least 4 hours of sunlight each day. Too much shade will result in stunted growth and reduce yields, so make sure your hazelnut tree is getting adequate sunlight.

Hazelnut trees (Corylus avellana 'Red Dragon') require pruning for optimal health and form. Pruning should begin when the tree is around 2 years old. In the first year, prune branches that cross or rub against 1 another and remove any side branches that reach the ground. This will encourage better form and reduce the chances of disease. During the second and third year, cut back about 10-20% of the newer, unbranched shoots in early spring before the tree begins to leaf out. It's important to cut back these shoots before they have a chance to grow too long and become ungainly. After the third year, only minimal pruning is needed. Dead, diseased and broken branches should be removed as needed, and any crossing branches should be removed too. Pruning in subsequent years should also emphasize the removal of any vertical shoots to foster a mature, open-centered tree form.