How Do I Grow Chestnut Seeds?

The chestnut tree can easily be grown from seeds, as long as you are patient and diligent. In order to grow chestnut seeds, you will have to gather the fallen chestnut burs from adult trees during the fall months or you can purchase a seeds from an agricultural center. Seeds will first need to be prepared before planting, allowing them to hibernate for proper germination. You will also need to prepare a site for spring-time planting that includes the most optimum conditions for growth.

In order to prepare the seeds for germination, they will need to experience the hibernation process, which can be simulated in your home environment. Open the tough outer skin of the chestnut with a small prying tool, making sure not to pierce too deep into the seed. Hibernation conditions can be recreated with the use of sphagnum moss. Place the chestnut seeds and moist moss into a small zip-lock bag and store it in the refrigerator for about four months. The moist sphagnum moss will ensure that the seeds will not dry out and die during the hibernation process.

Once hibernation is over, you will want to prepare a site for planting the chestnut seeds during the early spring months. Using a shovel, dig a hole about 2 feet (0.6096 m) wide and 2 feet (0.6096 m) deep. Refill the hole with a mixture of soil mixed with peat moss. The peat moss will offer proper irrigation and drainage of the water, allowing the seeds to grow without being in danger of drowning.

After the foundation has been set, place the chestnut seeds in the center of each hole, making sure to cover them with 1 inch (2.54 cm) of soil. Secure the soil by lightly packing it with your hand, or by using the back of your shovel. Water the surrounding soil with a spray bottle instead of a water hose, as the pressure from the hose will displace the neatly-packed soil. Finally, lay a thin layer of mulch onto the soil in order to reduce ambient moisture loss and erosion from the elements, and to ward off the invasion of weeds.

Once the chestnut seeds sprout, you will have to be diligent in protecting its delicate shoots. You can do this by creating a makeshift barrier with an empty one-gallon container. Cut the container in half, length-wise, and cover the plant. Once the seedling grazes the top of it, you can discard the bucket since the plant will now be mature enough to withstand the elements.