Sweet Chestnut Castanea Sativa

How to take care of Sweet Chestnut Castanea Sativa

Grow in containers against a south-facing wall or in a sheltered spot on your terrace. The root growth is very vigorously and if left unrestricted will result in less fruit. It requires sun all day long to produce sweet edible fruit. Fig trees prefer a neutral pH, but are fairly adaptable about growing conditions as long as it drains well. Don't fertilise too heavily or you'll get leafy and frost-sensitive growth at the expense of fruit. Two crops of figs are potentially produced each year. The first crop develops in the spring on last year's shoot growth and the main crop develops on the current year's shoot growth ripening in late summer or autumn. Crops need regular attention, water regularly and prune shoots in June and remove unwanted figs in September. This plant is cold resistant, but not frost resistant Winter protection of young shoots is vital, so move a pot-grown plant indoors during frosty nights. For plants that can't be moved inside tie a covering around the tender parts and remove the following April. For best results each spring transplant to a larger pot using a slightly acid soil (no lime) for best results use rhododendron-potting compost. Wear gloves when handling this tree, as the sap is an irritant to the skin. Water using preferably rain water and never let the compost to dry out.

Leaf drop is a common complaint. If your plant is shedding green leaves, try keeping the soil evenly moist and give it time to recover.