Grow and Pick the Best Chestnuts (Pt 2)
Now that you know how where and when to plant chestnut (Part 1), here is the best way to care for your trees and pick the best chestnuts to grill this holiday season.
Fertilization
After the initial year, once the trees are established, fertilization is crucial in the early spring (March-May), when new growth begins, and during the summer rains (June-July). Never fertilize a newly planted tree before its second growing season so that it can focus its resources on developing strong roots in the new location. Chestnuts benefit from an annual fertilizer application that can be adjusted to meet the needs of specific trees and sites through soil testing. For a good growth rate, use solid fertilizer composed of ammonium sulfate such as YARAVERA AMIDAS. Granular fertilizer formulated for soil with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in addition, to trace elements for the fertilization of chestnut trees like YARAMILA COMPLEX (12-11-18+2.7MGO+7S+TE). Humic acid, such as HUMI K, improves the overall fertility of the soil, favoring root development and the growth of chestnut trees. Increases water holding capacity and reduces nutrient leaching losses.
Pruning
Pruning can be performed in early summer when the weather is hot and dry or during late winter when the trees are dormant (not later than the first week of July). This reduces the likelihood of infection. Lower branches can be cut off to manage shape as the trees mature. Any tree can have around one-third of its foliage removed each year during pruning without doing any damage.
How Long Does It Take For A Chestnut Tree To Bear Fruit?
If a chestnut tree was planted at 1 to 2 years old, it will typically begin to produce fruit 3 to 5 years after being planted. This indicates that chestnut trees can begin producing fruit between the ages of 4 and 7.
Chestnut yields will rise as the tree matures in size. Once established, a tree can grow to be over 100 years old and produce fruit every year.
How Fast Do Chestnut Trees Grow?
Chinese chestnut trees have an annual growth rate of one-third to two-thirds of a meter, maturing at a height of 12 to 18 meters. American chestnut trees can reach heights of 15 to 30 meters and develop more quickly than Chinese chestnut trees.
4 Tips for Choosing Chestnuts
When buying chestnuts, it can be difficult to discern the good from the bad. The next time you are shopping for delicious chestnuts to roast, consider these tips for the best pick:
- Consider the fruit weight. Always opt for chestnuts that feel heavy for their size. You should avoid it if it seems dry or hollow. As the secret is all about the weight-to-size ratio, the chestnut should feel as heavy as its size or volume gives off.
- Examine the shell. A healthy chestnut should be hard and shiny as opposed to cracking, chipping, or flaking off from the flesh.
- Give it a shake. If you hear rattling when shaking, take it as a sign that it’s an old chestnut that you don’t want to purchase.
- Pay attention to the container. If you keep chestnuts in plastic bags or containers, they are prone to molding. Mold may occasionally be visible on the shell, but it may also be hidden until you crack the shell open. It’s a good idea to buy loose chestnuts whenever possible.
By Eng. Maryse Bou Zeid
Rida Nuwayhid (PhD)
Chestnut production is a good option up on mount Lebanon.
I can give you my experience in chestnut tree growing – over 25 years worth.
God bless