The edible or sweet chestnut is not only grown for its tasty fruit but also as a source of wood in large parts of southern and western Europe. In the Middle Ages, the starchy chestnuts were even considered a staple food in some southern European regions.

The Tyrolean golden chestnut has yellow flesh

There are roughly 1,000 different varieties of sweet chestnuts, each of which is regionally limited. They should not be confused with the horse chestnut, the fruits of which are inedible to humans. Both the leaves and the fruit are clearly different from each other. You can see that even without too much botanical knowledge.

Are there also different breeds of chestnuts?

Through various breeds, the cultivation of the chestnut has been simplified considerably. Be it that the flowering period has been extended, which means that pollination is more successful, or that the storability of the fruit is improved. For commercial cultivation, the respective harvest volume per tree or the resistance to diseases also play a not inconsiderable role.

What should I consider when choosing a sweet chestnut?

Sweet chestnuts like a warm and sunny location. Depending on the variety, it tolerates frost more or less well. The sweet chestnut feels quite well in wine-growing regions, in a harsh area it is grateful for a sheltered place, while the type of soil is less important.

When choosing a sweet chestnut, also pay attention to the fertilization of the flowers. So it makes sense to plant at least two trees together, so you can usually count on a larger harvest.

Various diseases and pests can affect the sweet chestnut, for example the gall wasp, chestnut bark cancer or ink disease. If you live in an endangered region, resistant chestnut varieties are recommended.

Interesting varieties of chestnuts:

  • Bouche de Batizac: large fruits, easy to peel, resistant to the gall wasp
  • Brunella: long flowering period, medium-sized, very aromatic fruits
  • Marigoule: absolutely hardy, resistant to diseases, long-lasting fruits
  • Tyrolean golden chestnut: large fruits, easy to peel, with a bright yellow core
  • Vincent van Gogh: particularly decorative, corkscrew-like young shoots

tips

If you are looking for a sweet chestnut for your garden, then focus primarily on the varieties that feel at home in your region.

Category:

Trees