Question
Hey

I dont know if you will know the answer but I am interested in getting a few hazel trees, in particular the kent cob which I know is not a common breed on your side of the pond. I know that hazel nuts yeild better crops with cross pollination. I was wondering does it matter what species the other hazel tree is?

so say for example, Kent Cob is type A but will yield a better crop with type B and C but it yeilds the best crop with type D?

hopefully I didnt make that too confusing, but I am struggling to find any detailed information on it.

thank you for your time
sam

Answer
Hi Sam,
Thanx for your question.  Sorry to take so long in responding.  This really isn't my area of expertise although I do understand what you are asking.

I found a link with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) you may find helpful.  My initial research indicates there will be some variation in how well one cultivar pollinates with another.

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=602

This website lists cultivars and their pollinators which may be the answer after which you are looking.

http://www.cobnuts.co.uk/info.htm

The Royal Horticultural Society may be able to refer you to someone locally from whom you may obtain a better answer.  I hope this helps.
Tom