GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Sweet Chestnut

Castanea sativa · Tree

Hardiness
H6 Hardy — very cold winter (to −15 to −20°C)
Position
Full sun, Partial shade
Height × Spread
20–35 m × —
Soil
Moist, well-drained; intolerant of lime (acid to neutral pH preferred)
Flowering
June–July
Toxicity
No specific toxicity is listed by the RHS. This is not a guarantee of safety — check with a vet or the ASPCA before pets or children eat any plant.

The Gardening Year

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🪴 Plant out
🌸 In flower

Watch out for

Chestnut blight: Report suspected cases immediately to the relevant plant health authority as it is a notifiable disease.

Oriental chestnut gall wasp: Report sightings via TreeAlert; biological control using parasitic wasps is the primary management strategy.

Phytophthora root rot: Ensure well-drained soil and avoid planting in heavy clay or areas prone to waterlogging.

Honey fungus: Improve drainage and remove infected roots; avoid replanting in contaminated soil for several years.

Leaf spot: Rake up fallen leaves to reduce spore load and ensure good air circulation around the tree.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/sweet-chestnut © GardenWizz — UK gardening encyclopedia