Troubleshooting
Hazelnut 'Winkler' problems — and how to fix them
Hazelnut 'Winkler' (Corylus avellana 'Winkler') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
No nuts without a pollinator
Self-incompatible; plant a second, different hazelnut cultivar nearby so wind-borne pollen can fertilise the female flowers.
Squirrel and bird raids
Squirrels strip nuts before they ripen; harvest as soon as husks brown, or protect developing clusters.
Heavy suckering
Throws up suckers from the base; remove them yearly to keep an open, manageable bush.
Big bud mite
Mites swell dormant buds into rounded 'big buds' that fail to open; remove and destroy affected buds to reduce spread.
Prevent hazelnut 'winkler' problems before they start
Most hazelnut 'winkler' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for hazelnut 'winkler' in general rather than its problems? Read the full hazelnut 'winkler' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Hazelnut 'Winkler' problems — FAQ
Why is my hazelnut 'winkler' no nuts without a pollinator?
Self-incompatible; plant a second, different hazelnut cultivar nearby so wind-borne pollen can fertilise the female flowers.
Why is my hazelnut 'winkler' squirrel and bird raids?
Squirrels strip nuts before they ripen; harvest as soon as husks brown, or protect developing clusters.
Why is my hazelnut 'winkler' heavy suckering?
Throws up suckers from the base; remove them yearly to keep an open, manageable bush.
Why is my hazelnut 'winkler' big bud mite?
Mites swell dormant buds into rounded 'big buds' that fail to open; remove and destroy affected buds to reduce spread.