A native to warmer climes, Sweet Chestnuts are a sun-loving large deciduous tree with vigorous growth. Care must be taken to avoid frost hollows as Sweet chestnuts are susceptible to frost and won’t produce nuts without warmth and sunshine.

Castanea sativa has long shiny green serrate leaves that appear in spring with catkins in late spring followed by the fruit encased in spiky burs in June-July.  Harvest is usually around October.

Sweet Chestnut trees like full sun with well-drained fertile deep soil, sand or loam! A beautiful tree, often grown as a specimen tree, is suitable for a large garden or park space.

Growth rate: Slow
Soil Type: Well-drained, acidic soil, sandy, loamy
Habit: Broad
Position: Sun
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Ultimate height and spread: 12 metres x 8 metres
Flowering period: Creamy white catkins in June/July
Colour: Creamy coloured catkins
Attracts: Bees, insects