Nut Trees

Nut trees

Nut trees are often left out of fruit and vegetable planning but provide highly nutritious crops of nuts with little effort required. Walnut, sweet chestnut and hazelnut trees crop reliably in the UK climate. If you’re unsure of where to start then our frequently asked questions below should point you in the right direction.

Which nut trees are self fertile?

Walnut ‘Broadview’ is a self fertile tree that is a popular choice in the UK. This variety doesn’t need a pollination partner to set its fruits. Slow growing to a height of 6m, the lovely silvery bark and autumn foliage make it a splendid feature for small to large gardens. Expect to enjoy crops of walnuts at the end of summer. For smaller spaces try hazelnut ‘Red Cracker’, it matures at 3m tall with attractive red nuts in autumn and catkins during the winter months.

Which nut trees are ornamental?

Nut trees are often ornamental whether showing colour changing leaves, scented spring blooms or the nuts themselves. The best year round colour is found in the hazelnut ‘Purple Filbert’ which produces glossy purple leaves, catkins and nuts. The wind pollinated catkins still attract bees and are a lovely seasonal sight during winter and spring.

If you’re after a sweet smelling spring blossom then an almond tree is right for you. The gentle pink blossom appears slightly earlier than other blossoms in March and April. Almonds with great flavour develop on this self-fertile variety. Choose a sheltered spot in full sun for the best results.

What nut tree grows the fastest?

The fastest growing nut tree is the hazelnut, which is why it’s often seen in privacy and wildlife hedging. Our hazelnuts mature at a height of 3m. Keep your hazel tree at the right size with some careful pruning. Coppice your hazel by cutting the main stem right down to the ground to encourage multiple stems to grow from the base for a thicker habit. They’re also a good natural source of poles for the veg patch.

Grow your own nuts and save money

Growing your favourite nuts can save you money on your shopping. Storing your nuts in a dry cool space allows you to enjoy this nutritious food for longer. Also, it’s easier than you think to make your own plant milk from almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts and it’s a great way to use a large harvest of nuts. Browse our full range of fruit trees for more grow your own options.