PlantingInformation

Site:
If possible plant the seedling well away from other trees. This will avoid contamination from competing fungi. Truffles favour a sunny location with an alkaline soil; the ph should ideally be above 7 and below 8. If your soil is acidic it is possible to raise the ph by adding lime.

Planting:
Remove any vegetation from an area of at least 30cm around the planting location (up to 1meter is ideal), then work the soil to a depth of about 25 cm. Water the plant well. Make a hole slightly deeper than the pot of soil the seedling has arrived in. Place it in the hole without the plastic container but being careful not to lose any of the soil. Then compact the soil around the plant by pressing it down firmly with your hands, this will ensure that no air pockets remain around the seedling. Water the plant in it’s new location taking care that it does not become waterlogged.

Aftercare:
The tree should always have adequate access to sunlight. The roots should not be allowed to dry out, it may be necessary to water it in times of drought. Competing weeds should be removed throughout the year. If there is the risk of rabbit or squirrel damage ensure that the seedling is staked and guarded. Suckers should be removed from the base of the hazel plants, leaving only 2 or 3 leaders. In the second year it is a good idea to work the soil around the plant to a depth of 20cm in order to aerate it.

It is possible to grow truffles in four to six years in ideal conditions, especially on hazel plants, however it may take seven to ten in poorer conditions.

Please note plants received between November and March are in a dormant state and will have shed their leaves.