The following paragraphs reveal you how to grow chestnuts from seeds at home. This guide will take you through each step of the process of growing chestnut from seed, right from selecting seeds to their stratification and germination to nurturing young plants, as I have grown in Australia. It may be pointed out that the fruit from seed grown chestnut tree will not true to type, although you can graft the tree and also you can try to grow a chestnut tree from a branch cutting.
Do not confuse chestnuts with conkers. The fruits of conkers, also known as the horse chestnuts, have a spherical shape, while the chestnuts are somewhat flattened and pointed at one end.
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| Chestnuts |
How To Germinate Chestnut Seeds?
Getting the Chestnut Seeds
As old chestnut seeds have lower germination rates, you must get fresh seeds, as older seeds have lower germination rates. You can choose seeds of American chestnuts (Castanea dentata), Chinese chestnuts (Castanea mollissima), or hybrids. Always look for seeds that are firm, plump, and free of any cracks and mold, they may not be viable.
You can buy seeds from garden nurseries specializing in chestnut trees.
Can you grow a chestnut tree from a nut?
Yes, you can try germinating store-bought chestnuts, if they are not very old. I tried to grow chestnuts starting from nuts with reasonable success.
The next step is to germinate chestnut seeds. You can start germinating seeds indoors in winter, so that they are ready to be planted in early spring.
Chestnut seeds require specific treatment to germinate successfully.
Stratification
The seeds need a cold stratification period to break dormancy. The stratification mimics winter conditions and encourages germination.
To stratify the seeds, place them in a plastic bag with moist peat moss or sawdust or soil and refrigerate for about 3 months.
I stratify the chestnuts by wrappings them in a moist kitchen paper towel and placing it in refrigerator. Some of the seeds germinated during the stratification process in refrigerator.
Planting the Seeds
After stratification, it is time to sow the seeds. In Australia, it is from January to March.
Choose a planting location in your garden with full sun to partial shade. If growing in a pot, take a small pot having lots of drainage holes.
Chestnuts thrives in well-drained, nutrition rich loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Sowing Chestnut Seeds
Dig a hole about 2-3 inch deep and place the seed in the hole with the pointed end or the sprouted side facing down and the top just below the soil. Cover the seeds with soil and water thoroughly.
Place the pot in shade at a warm place, temperature around 21°C (70°F). You can place it indoors or in a greenhouse.
Keep the soil moist. The seeds will germinate in a few days to a few weeks, depending on the temperature.
The seedlings will grow into a small tree in a few years.
Caring for Chestnut Seedlings
Once your seeds have germinated, providing the right care will help your seedlings thrive. The chestnut tree grows quite fast, 4 to 7 feet per year under ideal growing conditions.
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch on the soil away from the seedling to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Watering: Water seedlings daily during hot days, especially in the first year.
Fertilizer: Fertilize the seedlings with a balanced fertilizer once in early spring to promote growth.
Care For Your Chestnut Tree
You have to take proper care of your chestnut plant to ensure its good health and productivity.
Sun Light Requirement
Chestnut trees grow best in full sun.
Pruning
Prune chestnut trees during the dormant season to remove any dead or crossing branches and to shape the tree.
Pest and Disease Control
Common pest like Chestnut weevils and diseases like chestnut blight fungus can kill the plant specially chestnut seedling. Spray neem oil or use or insecticidal soap regularly to control pests. Removal of dead leaves and branches will keep the plant healthy. Avoid watering on the foliage.
American chestnuts face disease challenges, while Chinese chestnuts are more resistant to the chestnut blight.
Harvesting Chestnuts
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| Chestnut Blooms |
The nuts will be ready to be harvested in late summer to early autumn. You can harvest chestnuts when they begin to fall from the tree and the burrs, spiky outer shells, start to open. You may wear gloves to handle the burrs. Remove the burrs, then let the nuts dry in a cool place. How to peel chestnuts easily video
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| Chestnuts Harvesting, Remove the Burrs |
Protect young trees from wildlife like deer or rodents using barriers.
Video on Chestnuts
how to peel chestnuts quickly youtube video