Fast growing Chestnut trees not only produce edible nuts but also make excellent shade trees. Prices will differ according to variety and if the tree is grafted or a seedling.
These are a large tree that can reach 30 feet in height, so they do require some room. Most modern varieties are grafted and will produce some nuts from year 2 or 3.
Growing well in all areas except those with very hot and dry summers essentially the are suited to zones 4 to 8.
Planting time will depend on your climate zone, generally from January in the warmer zones through to April in the colder zones.
Care
The big question with Chestnut trees is ‘Will they grow on my property’. The answer is most likely yes if you have the following conditions. And also choose the right variety for your climate.
General Care Notes
- Good drainage
- Frost free position
- Good moisture through the spring and summer.
- Soil pH of 4.5 – 6.5
- Choose the right variety for you climate.
- As a shade tree they need lots of space to look good. For nut production they are better planted closer together for pollination purposes.
Both grafted and seedling trees are available. Grafted varieties will set fruit sooner than seedling types.
Chestnut Tree Varieties
- Castanea dentata – Rarely seen this is the American Chestnut almost wiped out by disease
- Castanea sativa – This is the European variety, widely grown for the edible nuts.
- Castanea mollissima – The Chinese chestnut, grown for both fruit and timber and one of the most popular for nut production
Many cultivars that are crosses between the Chinese and the European varieties.
- Colossal – very popular variety.
- Precoce Migoule
- Labor Day
- Nevada
- Bouche de Betizac
- Benton Harbor
- Peach
- The Dunstan Chestnut – A hybrid Castanea dentata x mollissima
Best Chestnut Trees for Home Gardens
- The Dunstan Chestnut – A hybrid Castanea dentata x mollissima
Chestnut Tree are available for sale from the following specialist nurseries.
GRIMO NUT NURSERY
Persian and Black Walnut, Heartnut, Butternut,Apricot, Chestnut, Hazelnut, Pecan, Hickory, Ginkgo, Pine nut, Mulberry, Persimmon, Paw Paw, Fig and many more.
https://www.grimonut.com/
Z’s Nutty Ridge LLC NY
email – dawnz@znutty.com
Hazelnut and Chestnut for USDA zones 4 to 7. Blight resistant trees
https://znutty.com/
STARK Bro’s NURSERIES& ORCHARDS Co – phone: 1-800-325-4180 fax: 573-754-8880
PO Box 1800 Louisiana MO 63353
191 year old, family-owned nursery. Originators of Red and Golden Delicious apples. Full line of fruit, Apricots, Berries, Cherries, Nectarines, Pears, Grapes, Nuts, shade and flowering trees, shrubs roses and small fruits. Includes: Colossal Chestnut
https://starkbros.com
