chestnut tree - Ask Extension
I want to plant a chestnut. Do I plant it right side up or bottom side up?
Knowledgebase
chestnut tree #889872
Asked November 15, 2024, 10:37 AM EST
I want to plant a chestnut. Do I plant it right side up or bottom side up?
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
If in doubt, as with flower bulbs (daffodil, etc.), sideways should be fine for most seeds; roots and shoots will find their way, because they can detect gravity, light source, and other cues to orient themselves. The pointed end of the seed is the area where the new root will emerge. (See the image of a germinating seed on the linked American Chestnut Foundation web page, plus their "planting the seed" tips.)
If you are planting a fresh chestnut seed directly into the ground outside, water it in, because our ongoing state-wide drought has made us fall behind on several inches of rainfall. Chestnuts need to remain moist while in "cold storage" (either outside or in the fridge) so they don't desiccate. If you are planting American chestnut, make sure it comes from a blight-resistant parent tree, though future infection with Chestnut Blight fungus is still possible, unfortunately. Chinese chestnuts are more resistant, but are of course not native. Blight fungal spores can be transmitted by the seed coat (the brown husk protecting the embryo).
If planting into a container or the ground outside, protect the seed from wildlife (like rodents) so they can't dig it up or eat it.
Chestnut germination is hypogeal, which means that the seed leaves (cotyledons) will stay below-ground, and the first leaves visible above-ground will be the first set of true leaves. Because of this, germination might seem to take a bit longer than for other tree seeds, even if it has already started out of sight underground.
Miri
If you are planting a fresh chestnut seed directly into the ground outside, water it in, because our ongoing state-wide drought has made us fall behind on several inches of rainfall. Chestnuts need to remain moist while in "cold storage" (either outside or in the fridge) so they don't desiccate. If you are planting American chestnut, make sure it comes from a blight-resistant parent tree, though future infection with Chestnut Blight fungus is still possible, unfortunately. Chinese chestnuts are more resistant, but are of course not native. Blight fungal spores can be transmitted by the seed coat (the brown husk protecting the embryo).
If planting into a container or the ground outside, protect the seed from wildlife (like rodents) so they can't dig it up or eat it.
Chestnut germination is hypogeal, which means that the seed leaves (cotyledons) will stay below-ground, and the first leaves visible above-ground will be the first set of true leaves. Because of this, germination might seem to take a bit longer than for other tree seeds, even if it has already started out of sight underground.
Miri
Thankyou. I am putting it in a pot.
Ok, then keep an eye on the soil drying out and water the pot as-needed during winter (when it's thawed). Chestnuts don't want soggy soil, but do need to not dry out too much during dormancy and germination. Small pots are much more vulnerable to freezing temperatures over the winter, since the soil isn't very insulating in a container, so if you have the option, try to shelter the pot by "planting it" (leave the pot on, just sink it into the ground; this is called "heeling-in") or pile some mulch (or mulch bags) around the container so it's more insulated. (Wrapping it with something like bubble wrap won't offer as much protection.)
Good luck!
Miri
Good luck!
Miri
