Pulling chestnut - how to grow it yourself

Is it worth growing a chestnut yourself?

Growing a chestnut is certainly not financially worthwhile, but it is certainly a test of patience. It will take many years before you can harvest the first chestnuts. Many gardening enthusiasts still have a lot of fun growing their own plants.

How do I grow a chestnut myself?

You can only grow a single variety chestnut from cuttings. Seeds from your garden always have the hereditary characteristics of both parent plants. However, it is questionable which properties have prevailed in the seeds you have collected.

In the spring, cut off some strong healthy shoots about 20 to 30 centimeters in length. You should have several pairs of leaves, but only leave the top four of them. Remove all other leaves.

You place these cuttings in a pot of potting soil about two inches deep. With the help of a rooting powder, you can accelerate the formation of roots. Keep the soil slightly moist. But if it is too wet, the roots begin to rot before they are strong enough to feed the small chestnut.

Transplant the self-grown chestnut

After a few months, at the latest after the first winter, it is time to transplant the young chestnut, either in the garden or in a large container. Dig a planting hole for the chestnut and add some compost.

Put the chestnut in place and fill the remaining hole with soil and water your tree. Transplanting is less recommended in summer, not at all with an older chestnut, your tree will hardly survive that.