Chestnut

Chestnut (Castanea spp.) is a deciduous tree in the family Fagaceae grown for its edible seeds (nuts). The chestnut tree has a thick trunk covered in gray bark. The trunk has an erect growth habit and can grow 2 m (6.6 ft) in diameter. When the tree stands alone, the canopy can spread 15 m (49 ft) across and is made up of glossy leaves with serrated margins and pointed tips. The leaves are hairy with visible glands on the underside. The chestnut tree produces flowers on long catkins and the seeds are produced in clusters of 1–3. The seeds are covered by a thick, spiny bur which is approximately 10 cm (4 in) in diameter. The kernel within is protected by a thin, dark brown shell. Chestnut trees can reach 40–60 m (131–198 ft) in height and can live for in excess of 150 years. Chestnut may also be referred to by variety and includes European, American, Japanese and Spanish chestnut. The tree originates from Asia.


Chestnuts are commonly consumed after roasting or may be processed to produce chestnut creams and purees or for canning.


Basic requirements Chestnuts are hardy trees which will grow in a variety of conditions. The trees grow best in well-draining, acid loam soils and require a pH between 4.5 and 6.5. The trees perform well when planted on a gentle slope which allows cold air to drain to a lower area as well as aiding in soil drainage. Chestnuts should be planted in full sunlight and open fields are preferred for maximum nut production.Chestnut has poor self compatibility and at least 2 trees are required for nut production. Propagation Chestnut trees can be grown from seeds or can be propagated by grafting onto a seedling rootstock. Seedling grown for use as a rootstock for grafting are usually ready to receive a scion when they are two years old. The seedling must have reached a suitable thickness in order to receive a graft (usually when it reaches a thickness similar to that of a pencil). Germinating seeds Chestnut seeds germinate readily but not all will produce a seedling suitable for planting and/or grafting. Seeds can be obtained from breeders or collected from chestnut trees in the Fall. Seeds should be kept refrigerated until planting and can then be directed seeded outdoors or grown in containers inside. Seeds should be planted in early Spring as soon as the soil can be worked. The seed should be planted in a hole 7.5 to 15.0 cm (3-6 in) deep with the radicle (embryo emerging from the seed) facing downwards. If planting in a container, be sure to choose one that is at least 30 cm (12 in) deep and 10 cm (4 in) in diameter. The seeds can be planted earlier if the containers are to be kept indoors. Planting seedlings Seedlings started in containers can be transplanted after all danger of frost has passed and after hardening. The seedling should be planted in a hole that is at least 1.5 times the size of the existing root ball. Gently remove the remnants of the nut from the roots and place the seedling in the hole. Backfill the hole with soil and tamp to remove air pockets. Seedlings should be planted 10–12 m (33–39 ft) apart, allowing an additional 10–12 m (33–39 ft) between rows. After planting, the seedlings should be watered thoroughly. Continue watering the seed for the first month after planting to help the seedling establish. General care and maintenance After planting, the areas around the trees should be kept free from weeds. A layer of mulch spread around the trunks will help suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture. You may have to protect the young trees from pests such as deer which can cause severe damage to the trees. The most effective method of protecting trees is to erect an 8 ft high metal deer fence around the area where the new trees have been planted.


Anagnostakis, S. L. (2013). Growing Chestnut Trees. The Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station. Available at: http://www.ct.gov/caes/lib/caes/documents/publications/fact_sheets/plant_pathology_and_ecology/growing_chestnut_trees_01-14-13r.pdf. [Accessed 11 November 14]. Free to access CABI Crop Protection Compendium. (2008). Castanea datasheet. Available at: http://www.cabi.org/cpc/datasheet/16574. [Accessed 11 November 14]. Paid subscription required. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation (2006). Planting and Growing Chestnut Trees. PA-TACF Planting Manual. Available at: http://www.acf.org/pdfs/resources/planting_manual.pdf. [Accessed 11 November 14]. Free to access Vossen, P. (2000). Chestnut Culture in California. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Available at: http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/pdf/8010.pdf. [Accessed 11 November 14]. Free to access