Ronde de Montignac

The hazelnut variety Ronde de Montignac was developed in France in the 1970s and has since gained popularity among growers due to its high quality and resistance. The tree exhibits moderate growth vigor, reaches a height of 8 to 12 meters, and forms a broad, rounded canopy with a diameter of 10-15 meters and dense foliage. Late leaf emergence and flowering in late April to early May protect the plant from spring frosts. Fruit set occurs on terminal shoots, and the flowering period lasts about 15 days, promoting good pollination. The variety is partially self-fertile, but for increased yield, it is recommended to plant it alongside other pollinator varieties such as Franquette or Fernette. Ronde de Montignac hazelnuts are large, predominantly round, weighing 10 to 15 grams. They have a thin, smooth light-brown shell that cracks easily, improving the kernel-to-shell ratio — about 55%. The kernel is characterized by its bright color, high oil content (about 50%), and pleasant sweet taste, making the nuts highly sought after both in retail and culinary applications. The variety’s yield is stable and high: trees begin bearing fruit at 4-5 years of age, and mature trees can produce 40 to 60 kg of nuts per year, with proper care yielding up to 3-4 tons of dry nuts per hectare. The Ronde de Montignac variety is registered in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine and is recommended for cultivation in several regions of the country. It exhibits good resistance to common hazelnut diseases such as bacterial blight and anthracnose, and is adaptable to various climatic conditions. Recommended planting scheme — row spacing of 6 meters and tree spacing within rows of 5 meters, ensuring optimal light exposure, ventilation, and ease of maintenance. Harvesting typically occurs from late September to early October, when the fruit’s outer shell begins to crack, revealing ripe nuts.