Turkish hazel - how to grow

[Bramble]

Having a rummage about last night, I came across a Turkish hazelnut. I collected it from my local park just before the poor tree was chopped (I think the base was rotten). This is really a continuation of the growing acorns thread, but I didn’t want to hijack it I already have a “bonsai” oak in a bucket; I just put the acorn into some soil and up it came. Can I do the same with the hazelnut? I’d just stick it in and see what happened, except I only have the one nut and I don’t think there are any other Turkish hazels about. Any handy tips? I’d also be interested to hear what sort of biodiversity value the Turkish hazel has, if any.

[Cotham Marble]

It seems you will need to equip yourself with a 'toffee hammer' !

Collect nuts from the tree when brown, nuts on the ground may be early ones which have fallen and may not be viable Sow straight away but protect from predators. Crack the shell with a toffee hammer but don't remove shell. Green nuts can be statified until they show signs of chitting. Hazel

Essentially you need to give the seed a helping hand by 'opening' the shell, the trick is to do this without damaging the kernel, I think I'd be inclined to try making a few lateral cuts with a small bladed knife.

CM

[aeshna5]

Quite unusual looking fruits- we have several as small street trees down our road. Good luck with your germination- keep them well protected from squirrels + mice.

[Bramble]

AH! mice! That is a timely reminder, we had some mouses (I prefer mouses to mice ) last year and I do believe they ran off with some things I was trying to grow. This nut isn't one from this year, but I'll give it a go anyway. Put it outside after planting, so it gets the winter chill then "wakes up" when the warmer weather comes, or bring it on inside?

When you hear "OW!", Bramble has hit herself in the thumb with the toffee hammer

Thanks all!