Castanea sativa
TAXONOMY
FamilyFagaceae
GenusCastanea
Zone6
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Castanea sativa, commonly known as the sweet chestnut, is a large deciduous tree native to Southern Europe and Asia Minor. It is known for its edible nuts and its durable wood. The tree prefers temperate climates and can live for several centuries. It undergoes a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
European Chestnut
Spanish Chestnut
Sweet Chestnut
Castanea castanea
Castanea prolifera
Castanea sativa f. discolor
Castanea sativa var. hamulata
Castanea sativa var. microcarpa
Castanea sativa var. prolifera
Castanea sativa var. spicata
Castanea vesca
Castanea vulgaris
Fagus castanea
Fagus castanea var. variegata
Fagus procera
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature15° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH5.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Sweet chestnut trees require moderate temperatures and thrive in areas with full sunlight. They prefer environments with moderate humidity and should be watered regularly to keep the soil partially moist. These trees are relatively hardy but do best in temperate climates.Soil
Sweet chestnut trees prefer well-draining loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral in pH. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Fertilize sweet chestnut trees with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in the early spring. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Fertilization should be done annually.Repotting
Sweet chestnut trees are not typically grown in pots, so repotting is not necessary. If growing from seed, young saplings can be transplanted to their permanent outdoor location after a couple of years.Propagation
Propagation of sweet chestnut trees is typically done through seeds. Collect seeds in the fall and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. They can also be propagated through grafting, which is often used to maintain specific cultivars.Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and health of the sweet chestnut tree. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to promote good air circulation.Toxicity
Sweet chestnut trees are not toxic to pets or humans. The nuts are edible and are often used in cooking and baking. However, the leaves and bark should not be consumed.Additional
Sweet chestnut trees are valued for their nuts, which are a good source of carbohydrates and can be roasted or used in various recipes. The wood is also highly prized for its durability and is used in furniture making and construction.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
