Sweet European Chestnut (Castanea sativa) is a majestic deciduous tree native to southern Europe and western Asia, known for its generous crops of large, sweet, edible nuts. Valued for both its fruit and durable hardwood, this species has been cultivated for centuries for food, shade, and timber.
The Non-GMO Sweet Chestnut Tree features lush green serrated leaves, fragrant creamy-yellow flowers in summer, and glossy brown nuts enclosed in spiny burrs that ripen in autumn. With its stately growth habit and long lifespan, it’s a superb addition to orchards, agroforestry projects, and edible landscapes.
Features
- Produces large, sweet, edible chestnuts
- Hardy, non-GMO, and long-lived
- Excellent for nut production and shade
- Valuable hardwood timber and ornamental appeal
- Attracts pollinators and wildlife
- Perfect for orchards, homesteads, and reforestation
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Castanea sativa
- Common Name: Sweet Chestnut / European Chestnut
- Plant Type: Deciduous nut tree
- Growth Height: 50–100 feet
- Spread: 40–60 feet
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil Type: Deep, well-drained loam or sandy soil; pH 5.5–6.5
- Bloom Season: Early to mid-summer
- Nut Season: Fall (October–November)
- Flower Color: Creamy-yellow catkins
- Nut Color: Glossy brown in spiny green husks
- Foliage: Green turning golden in fall
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Planting Season: Spring or fall
- Sowing Depth: 1–2 inches
- Germination Time: 60–120 days (cold stratification for 90–120 days recommended)
- Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soil
- Maintenance: Light pruning to remove dead or crowded branches
- Pollination: Requires cross-pollination for high nut yield (plant 2+ trees)
- Wildlife Benefits: Provides nuts and shelter for birds, deer, and squirrels
- Uses: Nut production, shade, timber, reforestation, edible landscaping
Planting Guide
- Cold Stratify: Store seeds in a moist medium for 90–120 days at 34–40°F.
- Prepare Soil: Choose deep, fertile, well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
- Sow Seeds: Plant 1–2 inches deep and water thoroughly.
- Light: Ensure full sunlight for strong trunk and nut development.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during establishment.
- Spacing: 35–50 feet apart for orchard planting.
- Care: Mulch base to retain moisture; prune annually for shape and health.
