Growing A Chestnut Tree From Seed

Growing a chestnut tree from seed requires you to follow a few steps in order for the seedling to develop correctly. It requires a bit more room than you might think, because you need to make sure that you have enough space for two trees. You will need to plant at least two trees in order to cross pollinate and produce nuts. You will also need to decide if you are going to start your seeds indoors or outdoors.   

Preparing Your Seeds

Chestnuts need to have at least three months of cold before they can germinate. A popular method of preparing them is refrigeration. Place your seeds in a plastic bag that is filled with moist peat moss. Poke holes in the bag to promote circulation and to help prevent the seeds from molding. The seeds can be pulled from the refrigeration towards the end of February. This is when you will start to grow the seedlings inside.

Choose Your Planting Method

Two different planting methods that I have heard of involve making newspaper cones or using paper milk cartons with the bottom cut out. Whatever method that you choose planting the nut is the same. Use a peat moss, sand and mulch mixture to develop a well draining soil. Place the chestnut on its side one to one and a half inches into the mixture. You will need to ensure that you have a stable place to set your containers.  

Keep An Eye On Them

Once the chestnuts are planted, place them in a sunny area that the temperature is 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not let them reach a temperature below 60 degrees. You can put them in a sunny window, a greenhouse or under growth lights. Keep the peat moss moist but not wet or you will promote mildew and rot and the seedling will not sprout.

Is It Time to Move It Outside

It is time to move your seedling outside when the danger of the last frost has past and germination has began. A tip for acclimating your seedling to outdoor weather is to place it outside under the shade of a tree with newspaper or hay around the roots to keep it warm. Keep it here for a few days slowly moving it into full sun.  

Dig Your Hole

You will need to dig a hole that is two feet in depth by at least one and a half feet in width. The reason that you are digging such a big hole for a little seed, is to promote drainage. Fill the hole half way with peat moss, sand, and perlite mixture. You can also use leaves that are not fully composted yet. Either cut the bottom off of the newspaper cone or slip the seedling out of the bottom of the milk carton. You do not want to disturb the chestnut more than needed. Fill the rest of the hole with the same mixture.

Water and Protection

Water your tree about once a week. Remember to keep it damp not wet. If the soil seems to becoming compacted add more peat moss to loosen it up and keep good drainage. Animals love to eat new little seedlings and sometimes will dig for the nut before it has a chance to turn into a tree. Protect your investment by using a tree shelter. This will help to keep the deer and rodents away.

With a little patience and a lot of attention you can brag that you can grow a chestnut tree from a seed.