Chestnut trees have been cultivated for thousands of years not just for their delicious nuts but also for the multitude of uses. Back in the day, chestnuts were used as an alternative to starchy food and also used to make flour. Today though, chestnuts are mostly consumed in their raw or toasted form and often used in baking. If you'd like to learn more about how to grow chestnut trees, keep reading!
How to Grow Chestnuts Trees – A Gardening Guide
Did you know there are 9 varieties of chestnut trees that grow in temperate areas all over the world? Before you read up more on how to grow chestnut trees, it's important to know that these trees are big and therefore you'll need some garden space.
These trees can reach up to 100 feet in height and so you need to be sure your garden has enough space to accommodate such a big plant.
Chestnut trees are quite attractive trees, with red-brown or grey dark bark, and bright and dark green leaves. The chestnut tree's flowers are long, drooping catkins that appear in the spring.
Each tree will bear male and female flowers, but they will not self pollinate.
Planting Chestnut Trees:
- Choose a good quality, well draining soil.
- Soil should be deep and sandy.
- Before planting, be sure that the soil is acidic. To do this, test the pH, which should be 4.5 to 6.5.
- Once planted in the correct soil, be sure to water your seedlings well.
- Young trees need regular irrigation.
- To product big chestnuts, it's very important that you water the tree regularly, especially while it is still growing.
Chestnut Tree Harvest:
- Chestnut trees will only start to produce nuts within 3-7 years.
- You will know they are ready when they will just fall off the tree!
- Although it may seem like a long time to wait for chestnuts, keep in mind that they can live for up to 800 years!
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