Chestnut (Sweet) Growing Guide

Castanea sativa

Chestnut (Sweet)

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Light, well-drained soil.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Yes.

Feeding

Not normally required.

Companions

These are large, spreading trees that cast dense shade. The area beneath sweet chestnuts makes a good summer sitting area.

Spacing

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

Troubleshooting

Squirrels, rodents and birds will steal the nuts.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Chestnut (Sweet)