Sweet Chestnut Tree (European x Japanese Hybrid)

Chestnut Trees are an opportunity to harvest your own fresh, sweet, and incomparably rich-flavored edible nuts right from your backyard! These impressive trees can grow 40–100 feet tall, forming a broad, elegant canopy that transforms any yard into a welcoming, picturesque space. Enjoy its fragrant, showy catkins in late spring, which attract pollinators. As Chestnut Trees mature, they will reward you with abundant sweet chestnuts perfect for roasting, baking, and holiday recipes. Its hardy nature and preference for well-draining, slightly acidic soil make it surprisingly easy to grow, while its long lifespan offers a meaningful, lasting addition to your property. A Chestnut Tree provides shade, beauty, wildlife value, and a rewarding yearly harvest.

Also Known As: Chestnut Tree, Sweet Chestnut, Castanea, Edible Chestnut, Spanish Chestnut, Marron, European Chestnut, Chinese Chestnut, Japaneses Chestnut, American Chestnut, Horse Chestnut, Châtaigne, Marron, Marrone

Plant Name:	Tree, Chestnut (Colossal & Marigoule)
Latin Name:	Castanea sativa × Castanea crenata
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Plant Height:	30 - 50 Feet
Spread:	25 - 40 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	4-8
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Hybrid
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 30 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Keep seeds moist. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F at least 60-90 days, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month after the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	30-40 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	40 feet

Care During the Season:

Chestnut trees enjoy deep, consistent watering during the growing season, especially during dry spells, to support strong root and nut development. Ensure trees receives full sun and is planted in well-draining, slightly acidic soil to prevent root issues. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced or nitrogen-lean formula, as chestnuts prefer moderate nutrition. Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches, since heavy pruning can reduce nut production. Monitor for pests like weevils or blight.

Harvesting:

Harvest chestnuts in early to mid-fall when the spiky burrs naturally split open and begin dropping from the tree, signaling the nuts are fully mature. Gather the fallen burrs from the ground, wearing gloves to protect your hands, and allow them to open further or gently press them to release the shiny brown nuts inside. Avoid picking burrs directly from the branches, as chestnuts ripen best when they fall naturally. Once collected, sort out any damaged or flat nuts and place the good ones in a cool, dry place or refrigerate them to maintain freshness. Use the harvested chestnuts promptly for roasting, baking, or cooking, or store them for later use after curing.