Castanea spp. Wildlife

Seeds Type

Recalcitrant, that is to say seeds that cannot withstand desiccation and temperatures below freezing point; therefore cannot be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.

For germination, you must...

1. allow TWO MONTHS for seed treatment;
2. subject them to a scarification AND a cold stratification before sowing (follow the steps below in order).

Scarification : Soak the nuts (chestnuts) in water at room temperature for 24 hours.
Stratification (cold) : Line the nuts (chestnuts) on the side - the same as if they fell on the ground - in a bag (Ziploc Slider type) containing slightly premoistened peat moss. Seeds should be surrounded by the latter. Close the bag and place it in cool storage (between 1°C and 5°C) for approximately two months.
Seedlings : Take out the nuts (chestnuts) one by one from the bag and take care not breaking the germ (if there is one) and not turning them over on themselves. Bury lightly, less than a centimeter from the surface of the soil.
Comments : Sometimes, these seeds don't need a scarification nor a stratification to germinate. If a radicle appears, the tree is ready to grow and it's a good idea to sow as soon as possible.