Chestnuts are easy to propagate because they germinate reliably. However, the seeds are not varietal because the genome of the parent plants mixes during fertilization. You should think about this especially if you want to multiply chestnuts.

Chestnuts often multiply all by themselves

Is reproduction the same for all chestnut species?

In principle, you can propagate all types of chestnuts in the same way, namely by seed or with the help of cuttings. With sweet chestnuts, however, this is not always so easy. In nurseries and nurseries, these chestnuts are often grafted to obtain strong and robust trees.

Propagation by seed

As cold germs, chestnut seeds need a cool phase with temperatures around freezing point. It doesn't matter whether it takes place outside or in the fridge. In addition, the seeds should not be dry when sowing, but moist or fresh.

How to care for the seedling?

Even after the chestnut has germinated, keep the young seedling evenly moist. Waterlogging is also now to be avoided at all costs, as it can lead to root rot and promotes certain fungal infections. Depending on the variety and frost tolerance, the chestnut may be transplanted into the garden after the first or second winter.

Propagation by cuttings

The best time for propagation by cuttings is spring. Cut off strong, well-leafed and healthy shoots with a length of about 20 to 30 centimeters. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the shoots, but four pairs of leaves should remain.

Place your cuttings about five centimeters deep in moist growth substrate. Special rooting powder is not necessary, but it accelerates root formation. Make sure that the substrate is always slightly damp, but never wet, otherwise the small roots can easily rot.

The essentials in brief:

  • very good germination
  • cold germinator
  • long time before the first harvest
  • self-grown chestnuts less robust
  • cut healthy and strong shoots for cuttings

tips

If you want to harvest your own chestnuts soon, it makes more sense to buy a young tree. Many years pass from sowing to the first harvest.

Category:

Trees