To cultivate hazelnuts successfully in your garden in Lorient, you should first choose a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil. Plant two different varieties to aid pollination, preferably in autumn, and make sure the roots are well-protected during the colder months.
Hazelnuts take between five and six years to grow and develop into adult trees. Regularly water the plants, especially during hot, dry periods, and fertilise them in spring and summer. You should also rake around the base of the trees and remove any weeds. It's recommended that you harvest the nuts when they fall to the ground naturally and have a brown colour. Store them in a cool, dry place and remember to keep checking on them as they can go mouldy.
In addition to the above, there are a few pests and diseases you should look out for. The most notable is the balanin or hazelnut worm whose larvae eat into the nuts, causing them to fall prematurely to the ground. You can get rid of them by disturbing the soil around the trees in winter – the cold will kill them.