DELIVERED SEPTEMBER 2026 Nottingham Hazelnut Tree

Nottingham Hazelnut Tree

Nottingham is an old English hazelnut tree grown for good-flavoured, large edible nuts^{[1] [2]} used as dessert nuts or for cooking, a good-sized crop, a compact habit growing to around 2.5 - 4m tall and wide with a strong display of yellow catkins in winter and early spring before the nuts mature later in the year. It is usually upright and very similar to Webb’s Prize Cob, with elongated cob-like fruit and good eating quality. ^[7] Expect a good harvest around September. ^{[7] [8]}

It is also known as Pearson’s Prolific, Corylus maxima Nottingham Prolific, Corylus avellana ‘Nottingham Prolific and Nottingham Cob^[1], so if you see those names elsewhere, they are normally referring to the same variety. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

For the best-sized harvest, plant a pollination partner nearby. The best named pollination partners found are Hall’s Giant, also known as Géante de Halle or Merveille de Bollwiller, and Webb’s Prize Cob. Failing that, nearby wild or common hazel may help cross-pollinate your tree.

Planting a Nottingham Hazelnut Tree

Plant Nottingham in full sun or partial shade. For the best nut production, choose a sheltered position with moist but well-drained soil and avoid frost pockets where possible. ^{[1] [2]}

Before planting, water the pot well. Dig a generous planting hole, loosen the surrounding soil, and plant the tree at the same depth it was growing in the pot. Firm the soil gently around the roots and water thoroughly after planting.

Keep it watered during dry spells while it establishes, especially in the first growing season. Once established, prune as needed to keep the plant open, manageable and productive, removing dead, damaged or badly placed stems.

Hardy to around minus 20 degrees centigrade or H6 for those that like the RHS frost tables.

Other Interesting Information About Nottingham Hazelnut Trees

Pearson’s Prolific was already being recommended in The Gardener’s Magazine in 1831^[9], where it was listed under nuts and described simply as “a great bearer”. That makes Nottingham more than just an old-sounding name; it is a hazelnut with nearly two centuries of documented growing history.

Pearson’s Prolific has done what most fruit varieties never manage: it appears in 1830s gardening literature, turns up again in Victorian fruit catalogues, gets exported into New Zealand growing advice, and is still being chosen by modern garden designers. That is a better track record than most “new and improved” garden plants can claim. ^{[9] [10] [11] [12]}

Fruit Tree Life Expectancy
Most fruit trees will give you AT LEAST 40 years of fruit. Pears can go to 70. Records of 200 year old trees exist but this is the exception, not the rule.

Do I Need To Stake My Bare Root Fruit Tree?
Most of the time, the answer will be no, especially if under 200cm tall. However our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.

Planting In The Corner Of A Garden
Air and light is reduced in this location which could promote fungus and bacterial issues. Corners of houses and fences can also suffer leeching issues so we advise against it.