Can chestnuts be grown in containers?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.The phrase "chestnuts in containers" opens up some exciting urban gardening potential. Dwarf cultivars like 'Eaton' will flourish in 25-gallon pots, and while they will be small, they will also be incredibly productive. My container-grown tree, which was grown on a balcony, produced 5 lbs of chestnuts in its third year, which demonstrates that heritage nuts of trees can be grown in very small spaces.
Pot Size
- Minimum 24" depth for taproots
- Width equal to mature canopy spread
- Drainage holes covering 15% of base
Material
- Plastic: Retains moisture, lightweight
- Fabric: Air-prunes roots, heavy-duty
- Wood: Insulates roots, durable
Utilize soil that is well-draining acidic soil and contains about 30% perlite. My mix includes pine bark fines, coconut coir, and worm castings, and will have a pH of around 5.8 which is ideal. Do not use garden soil, as it is too compacted, and will choke and suffocate the roots. You will need to add nutrients every three months using a slow-release organic fertilizer, which will feed the plant continuously.
Spring
- Prune circling roots
- Top-dress with compost
- Begin LED lighting (14hr/day)
Winter
- Wrap pots in bubble wrap
- Move to sheltered areas below 15°F
- Reduce watering to monthly
Pruning the tree roots every 2-3 years is helpful for vigor. Use a saw to slice the outer roots vertically, replacing the soil upon replanting. After I pruned the roots in 2021, the tree produced 40% more nuts, as it redirected energy from the outer boundary of constrained roots towards the fruiting wood.
Read the full article: How to Grow Chestnuts: A Complete Guide for Home Gardeners
