Chestnut (Chinese) Growing Guide

Castanea sativa

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Light, well-drained soil.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Yes.

Feeding

Not normally required.

Spacing

Single Plants: 32' 9" (10.00m) each way (minimum)
Rows: 32' 9" (10.00m) with 32' 9" (10.00m) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Prepare a large hole by breaking up the soil and adding plenty of well-rotted organic matter. A wide hole is better than a very deep one. Mulch after planting, and encircle the trunk with a wire cage or protective pipe to protect the young tree from animal and insect pests. For a large spread, chestnuts can be grown at 65ft (20m) apart.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Some varieties are not self-fertile, so more than one will need to be planted for successful pollination. Healthy sweet chestnut trees will bear for decades.

Harvesting

When ripe nuts fall from the trees, remove the husks (wearing gloves) and dry.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Chestnut (Chinese)

Aphids (General)

Fall Webworms

Slug

Snail