'Somerset' is a high yielding tree with small to medium size, round kernels with moderately good blanching, making it suitable for a variety of confectionary and baked good applications as well as for direct eating especially when roasted. Most kernels are 12–13 mm in diameter with an average weight of 1.14 grams and a kernel percentage of 55%. It has notably thin shells and tends to produce good crops even on young trees.
'Somerset' is a compact tree with a slightly spreading growth habit that reaches about two thirds the size of 'Raritan' at maturity . Trees at 15 years can reach 15 feet tall. It has notably dark green leaves that are slightly crinkled making it distinguishable from the other cultivars. It carries an EFB resistance gene from the Spanish cultivar 'Ratoli' that has shown excellent protection from the causal fungus. No fungicide sprays are expected to be needed for production although regular scouting for cankers and pruning off infected branches, if ever present, is highly recommended.
'Beast' and 'Grand Traverse' are recommended pollinizers. These Rutgers hazelnuts alone will not pollinize themselves.
These plants are 4"-6" tall and have been potted and hardened off for fall planting. They will ship November 7th. Buyer assumes shipping risk given time of year.
