Collection: Nut Trees

Lots of different nut trees can be grown successfully in the UK including hazelnuts, walnuts, sweet chestnuts, and (in warmer areas) almonds. Find out more and get some help with choosing in our growers’ guide to choosing a nut tree.

Bare root nut trees need to be planted during the dormant season, from November to March. Pot grown nut trees can be planted at any time of year (although during the dormant season is best) provided the ground isn’t waterlogged or frozen.

Nut trees prefer well drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil. They do best in loose, fertile soil, so if yours is a bit on the heavy or dry side, mix in plenty of compost or well rotted manure when planting.

For the best crop of nuts and blossom, plant your nut tree in a sheltered position where it will get 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. A little partial shade is also fine, particularly in the afternoon.

Nut trees come in all different sizes, so it’s important to check their eventual mature height and width before choosing - you can find this information on each of the tree’s pages on our website. Remember also that you can always prune your nut tree into shape if it gets too big for your garden.

Nut trees can benefit from light, regular pruning to keep them in shape, remove dead or diseased wood and allow good air circulation through the branches. For more tree pruning tips, take a look at our growers’ guide.

Nut trees usually take a few years to mature and start producing a decent sized crop. This will vary depending on the species and growing conditions, but it can range from three to ten years or more. You can check on each of our trees’ pages to see when the different varieties can be expected to crop.

Nut trees will benefit from winter protection, especially when they’re young and vulnerable to frost and cold winds. Mulching around the base of the tree and wrapping less hardy species (such as almonds) can help.

Nut trees usually prefer to be in the ground, where they crop best, but several, such as hazelnuts, almonds and dwarf walnuts, can be grown in pots. Check to make sure your choice is suitable, and make sure to use a large container with good drainage holes in the bottom.