Edibles – Fruit – Asian Chestnut

Asian Chestnut 

Botanical name: castanea mollissima 

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: up to 50 ft in height with up to a 40 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 4-8 

Growth rate: grows 1-2 ft per year 

Foliage color: green, yellow 

Flower color: white/yellow 

Bloom time:  summer blooms and harvest 

Pruning instructions: prune during dormancy in the late winter/early spring to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate by grafting in the late winter/early spring 

Landscape use: edible garden, background planting 

Special features: cold-hardy, clay tolerant, pet-friendly 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-4 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : fertilize with compost at the time of planting, use an organic fertilizer once every 3 months throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons

Best time to plant: spring, fall 

Best type of soil:  loam, sand 

Companion plants: dill, thyme, garlic, chives, clover 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: potentially invasive