

How to Grow and Care for Kentish Cobnut Trees: A Complete Guide to Cultivating This Traditional British Nut Tree
Kentish Cobnut trees (Corylus avellana 'Kentish Cob') are a variety of hazelnut cultivated for their delicious, sweet-flavoured nuts. Traditionally grown in the UK, particularly in Kent, these trees are prized for their high yields and ability to thrive in temperate climates.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing and caring for Kentish Cobnut trees, from planting and maintenance to harvesting and culinary uses.
Understanding the Kentish Cobnut Tree
Cobnuts are a type of cultivated hazelnut, and the Kentish Cobnut is one of the most well-known varieties. A small deciduous tree or large shrub, it typically grows to 3–5 metres tall and produces clusters of oval nuts enclosed in leafy husks.
Unlike wild hazelnuts, cobnuts are grown commercially for their larger size and superior flavour. They are traditionally eaten fresh when green but can also be dried for long-term storage.
How to Plant Kentish Cobnut Trees
Cobnut trees are easy to grow and can thrive in gardens, orchards, or even as hedgerow plants.
When and Where to Plant Kentish Cobnut Trees
- Timing: The best time to plant bare-root cobnut trees is in late autumn to early spring, while the tree is dormant. Container-grown trees can be planted year-round.
- Location: Choose a sunny or partially shaded site with good air circulation. Cobnuts tolerate wind well, making them suitable for exposed areas.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 is ideal. Cobnuts grow well in most soil types but dislike waterlogged conditions.
Steps for Planting Kentish Cobnut Trees
- Prepare the Site: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Plant the Tree: Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root collar is level with the soil surface. Spread out the roots and backfill with soil.
- Water Thoroughly: Water well after planting to help the roots establish.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it away from the trunk.
Caring for Kentish Cobnut Trees
Once established, cobnut trees require minimal care but benefit from regular maintenance.
Light, Soil, and Water Requirements
- Light: Full sun to partial shade. Cobnuts produce the best yields in sunnier locations.
- Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil is preferred. Improve poor soil with compost or organic matter.
- Water: Water young trees regularly until established. Mature trees are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering in dry periods.
Fertiliser Needs
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth. A light application of potassium-rich fertiliser can improve nut production. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as this encourages leafy growth at the expense of nuts.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning helps maintain tree shape, improve air circulation, and encourage higher nut yields.
- When to Prune: Prune cobnut trees in late winter to early spring before new growth begins.
- How to Prune: Remove dead or weak branches, thin out crowded areas, and shape the tree to encourage an open centre for better light penetration. Regular pruning prevents the tree from becoming too dense, which can reduce yields.
- Coppicing: Cobnut trees can be coppiced (cut back to the base) every few years to rejuvenate growth. This is a traditional method used in orchards to maintain productivity.
Pollination and Cross-Pollination
While Kentish Cobnut trees are self-fertile, they benefit from cross-pollination with other hazelnut or cobnut varieties for increased yields. Wind carries the pollen, so planting multiple trees within 10–15 metres of each other improves fruit set.
Propagating Cobnut Trees
Cobnuts can be propagated through seeds, layering, or grafting.
- Seeds: Plant fresh nuts in autumn for germination the following spring, though seedlings may not grow true to type.
- Layering: Bend a low-growing branch to the ground, cover it with soil, and allow it to root before cutting and transplanting.
- Grafting: Most commercial cobnut trees are grafted onto rootstocks for improved disease resistance and consistent nut quality.
Common Pests and Diseases
Cobnut trees are relatively resilient but can be affected by pests and diseases.
- Squirrels – A major threat to nut production, as they often take nuts before they are fully ripe. Protective netting or tree guards can help reduce damage.
- Aphids – Can weaken young shoots. Control with insecticidal soap or natural predators like ladybirds.
- Big Bud Mite – Causes swollen buds that fail to open. Prune out affected branches and encourage good airflow.
- Nut Weevil – Larvae burrow into nuts, reducing quality. Remove infested nuts and promote biodiversity to encourage natural predators.
Harvesting Kentish Cobnuts
Cobnuts begin producing nuts within 3–5 years and reach peak yields at around 10 years.
- When to Harvest: Nuts are ready for picking from late August to October. Green cobnuts are harvested earlier for fresh eating, while mature nuts are left to dry for storage.
- How to Harvest: Gently twist the nuts from the husks or shake branches over a sheet to collect fallen nuts.
- Storage: Fresh green cobnuts should be eaten within a few weeks. For long-term storage, dry nuts in a warm, well-ventilated area, then store them in a cool, dry place.
Cooking and Culinary Uses for Kentish Cobnuts
Kentish Cobnuts have a rich, creamy flavour and are enjoyed in a variety of dishes.
- Fresh Eating – Young green cobnuts are sweet and milky, eaten straight from the shell.
- Roasting – Roast dried cobnuts for a deeper flavour and crunchy texture.
- Baking – Use chopped or ground cobnuts in cakes, biscuits, and breads.
- Nut Butters and Oils – Blend into a smooth cobnut butter or press for cobnut oil, a gourmet alternative to olive oil.
- Savoury Dishes – Toasted cobnuts add texture to salads, stuffing, and pasta dishes.
The Joy of Growing Kentish Cobnut Trees
Kentish Cobnut trees are a rewarding choice for gardeners, offering beauty, shade, and delicious homegrown nuts. With their resilience, ease of care, and long lifespan, these trees are a great addition to orchards, gardens, or hedgerows.
Start growing a Kentish Cobnut tree today and enjoy its traditional British heritage, seasonal beauty, and bountiful harvests for years to come. Whether for fresh eating, baking, or roasting, homegrown cobnuts bring a taste of history and nature to your table.