Hazelnut Growers Conference and Starting new seedlings

Hazelnut Conference

I attended the  hazelnut growers conference in Owatonna, MN, where I met other people interested in developing hazelnuts for commercial growers and for home gardens. It was very interesting learning the new hazelnut research updates and processing equipment.

2018 conference schedule

I did my first presentation, which was a learning experience.

This is Lois Braun giving her presentation. I did not take any pictures because I was too busy visiting with other growers.

Thanks for the picture Lois.

Seedlings 2018

Two days after removal from refrigeration and a 80º F bath the nut has split showing the radical. I then plant these in 1 1/2 x 8 inch tubes. There will be about 10% of these nuts germinating every 2 days for the next 2 weeks. There is usually about a 40% germination rate using this method. The nuts that didn't germinate will be refrigerated for another 3 to 4 weeks. From this 2nd stratified group there is about a 90% germination rate.  

It looks like 2018 will be another busy year growing new hazelnut seedlings.