Chinese Chestnut Tree | Castanea mollissima

Chinese Chestnut | Castanea mollissima

Discover disease-resistant chestnuts that are perfect for growing in your backyard!

Plant Highlights:

• Growing Zone: 5-9
• Plant Brand: The Plant Factory Choice
• Botanical Name: Castanea mollissima Chinese Chestnut
• Foliage Color: Green
• Flower Color: White
• Flower Fragrance: NA
• Fall Color: Yes
• Type: Deciduous
• Mature Height: 40-50’
• Mature Width: 40-50’
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Exposure: Sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Tolerant to many soils
• Water Needs: Occasionally 
• Cold and Heat Tolerant: Yes
• Pruning Needs: Early spring trimming to remove crossed branches
• Awards:
• Grown by: The Plant Factory

Additional Highlights: 

• Pollinator Friendly: Yes
• Deer Resistant: Yes
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Reblooming: No
• Cold and Heat Tolerant: Yes

The Chinese chestnut tree, also known as Castanea mollissima, is a beautiful addition to any garden. Not only do these trees produce delicious nuts, but they also add ornamental value with their vibrant colors. During the spring season, the delicate catkins on the tree create a striking contrast against the lush green foliage and bloom with cream-colored flowers. As the seasons change, the tree undergoes transformations, including the development of spiky burrs that hold their distinctive nuts. These trees are also resistant to chestnut blight and are cold-hardy, with a harvest in September.

Pollination requirements:

For proper pollination, plant two tree seedlings or a grafted chestnut variety. 

Health Benefits:

This golden-yellow nut is full of flavor and sweetness, making it ideal for stuffing, soups, salads, or holiday sweets. It's also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, like B and C, folic acid, and potassium and magnesium. Before cooking, carve an X on the bottom of each bur, and peel them once they're warm for ease. They're great in both meatless and savory meat dishes.

Wildlife Benefits and Popularity:

Despite its appeal for gardens and cookery, the Castanea mollissima is also a valuable resource for wildlife. The tree is increasingly favored by Whitetail deer hunters, and with its delicious flavor and early nut production, it is sure to satisfy. Expect annual nut production to start at five years old and continue thereafter.

• Wildlife Habitat: The tree's dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.

• Nut Harvest for Wildlife: The chestnuts produced by the tree serve as a natural food source for various wildlife, contributing to the ecological balance of the surrounding ecosystem.

• Biodiversity: By attracting diverse forms of wildlife, the Chinese Chestnut contributes to the overall biodiversity of your garden or landscape.

To ensure the health and vitality of your Chinese Chestnut, follow these general care guidelines:

• Planting Tips: Choose a well-drained location with full sun exposure. When planting, ensure that the tree has enough space to grow and develop its expansive canopy. Planting in early spring or late fall is optimal.

• Watering: Chinese Chestnuts prefer consistently moist soil, especially during dry periods. Adequate watering is crucial during the growing season, but be cautious not to let the soil become waterlogged.

• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. This is particularly beneficial during the first few years of the tree's growth.

• Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain the tree's shape, removes dead or diseased branches, and improves air circulation. Perform pruning during the dormant season to minimize stress on the tree.

• Fertilizing: Chinese Chestnuts generally thrive in nutrient-rich soil. Apply a balanced fertilizer like our SR-18-5-10 slow release fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth. Adjust the fertilizer composition based on soil test results.

 Ordering:

Our processing time usually is 1-3 days after receiving the order. Orders taken after 4:00 pm on Wednesday through Sunday will be shipped the following Monday.

Shipping:

The Plant Factory, Inc. offers the very best shipping processes to ensure quick, safe, and near-perfect results every time. Cold and heat may deter your order temporarily until it is safe to receive and plant your plants/trees in your area. At our discretion, we will hold order till the threat is gone ensuring you with the healthiest- viable product ordered.

Summer/Winter Shipping Restrictions – Summer above 95 degrees | Winter - Below 34 degrees

Just a heads up! We share pictures and videos on our site to showcase our products and highlight the quality of our growing process. However, depending on the season you purchase, you can receive a plant that is smaller or larger than what is presented. There's a chance you might see a plant blooming like the one on our site, but it's not guaranteed. We often trim off blooms since they don't travel well. When you buy our plants, think of it as a wonderful investment in your future garden! Enjoy the journey of nurturing them to their fullest potential.

What makes Plant Factory Direct a great option?

We grow our plants right here at our nursery! Our knowledgeable staff uses top-notch horticultural practices to make sure our plants are healthy and of the highest quality. We choose your plants with the same care and thoughtfulness as if we were picking them for ourselves. We aim to go above and beyond what our customers expect. We take pride in providing wonderful “out of the box” experiences, along with friendly customer service and speedy resolutions.