Chestnut

The Chestnut is a beautiful, compact, spreading tree with a dense canopy of dark green leaves. It is deciduous and quite frost hardy. It will grow in many soil types but will not tolerate waterlogging. Allow trees to grow to 6m tall and wide but prune heavily to fit them into a suburban garden. Water moderately and fertilize in August. Enjoy the shade. 

Chestnut is not self-pollinating, and two trees of different varieties should always be planted. Pollen is wind transmitted from the long male catkin to the tiny female burr (flower) that is borne at the base of the catkin stem.

 Many varieties can be grown but three of the best are Bouche de Betizac, Purtons Pride and MP2.