Edible Sweet Chestnut (Castanea spp.)

We grow these chestnut lines because together they create a high-performing, cold-hardy, and genetically diverse chestnut planting. The Gellatly trees contribute proven Canadian-adapted hybrid genetics with reliable nut set and strong disease resistance. The 6 Mile strain adds resilience, fast growth, and consistent production under harsh conditions. The ND Euro provides straight timber form and dependable European nut quality. Planted together, these types cross-pollinate exceptionally well, improving yields, extending genetic diversity, and offering a mix of timber, food, and long-term orchard resilience for northern growers.

Chestnut trees grow with a strong, upright trunk and a broad, spreading canopy, creating shade for understory plants. The more chinese the heritage the more spreading the tree. They can even have multiple trunks and look like a shrub for the first decade. They bloom in late spring with long catkins, which attract pollinators, followed by the development of spiny burrs that mature in autumn, each containing 1-3 nuts. In agroforestry systems, strategic planting on berms or using the pit-and-mound technique enhances drainage and tree health, ensuring consistent yields. Over time, the trees develop into majestic, long-lived providers of food, timber, and ecological benefits.

Size at Maturity- Canopy Layer. Grows to 50-65 feet tall with a spread of 30+ Feet feet, depending on the species and growing conditions.

Current Size- XL 2'+ tall
Large 1'-2'
Small up to 6"-12"

Chestnuts have been a key food source for countless cultures across the temperate world, cherished for their ability to produce starchy, nutritious nuts. These nuts are consumed raw, roasted, or processed into flour, offering a versatile ingredient for many dishes. The high carbohydrate content of chestnuts makes them an excellent feed for livestock in integrated systems, reducing the need for external feed sources and enhancing sustainability. Chestnut wood is highly valued for its durability, especially in mushroom cultivation, as it provides an ideal substrate for growing diverse fungi species. In agroforestry practices, dense planting followed by strategic thinning allows for optimized nut production and timber harvesting, minimizing waste and maximizing resource use.