(Castanea molissima)
Chinese chestnut is a species of chestnut tree native to China, Korea and Taiwan. It is a mid-sized deciduous tree which grows to 20m tall with a broad crown. Its leaves are alternate, 10-20cm long with a toothed margin. In the summer the catkin-like flowers produce abundant blooms. The fruit is a spiny cupule 4-8cm in diameter which contains 2-3 brown nuts. Trees begin to set fruit after 5-7 years and when fully mature can yield consistent nut crops of 30-60 kg per individual. Out of all chestnut species it is considered the most resistant to the chestnut bark fungus Cryphonectria parasitica.
Germination: Soak in water for 24 hours, then cold stratify for 60 days. Then sow 1-2cm in a mulched seed bed and keep moist. Planting location should be in full sun, preferably in acidic loamy soils.
Packet contains at least 5 seeds.