Hybrid chestnut seedling 'Damiano' (Castanea dentata X mollissima) zone 5a

Variety producing medium-sized nuts. It is a hybrid between the Chinese and American chestnut. Good tolerance to Chestnut Blight. Average hardiness of 5a.

Can be planted in zone 4b protected from the wind, a warmer corner of your woodlot or land. This species is being tested in our orchards. Chestnuts like acidic soils and should never be limed unless a severe calcium deficiency is suspected. Alkaline soils should probably be acidified to ensure better plant establishment. Chestnuts show the most potential as annual nut crops in far southern Canada of all nut species. Indeed, their late flowering allows them to escape spring frosts and the early maturation allows annual crops. The nuts are contained in squirrel-proof bugs and blue jays until they ripen and fall to the ground. All varieties have sweet nuts superior to European chestnuts often available in grocery stores around the holidays. Trees typically reach 35'-40' or (10-12 m) tall and should be spaced 20-40' or (6-12 m) apart. Production begins in 8-10 years from seedlings. Plant at least 2 different varieties for pollination. All of our varieties appear to be resistant to chestnut blight fungus, with the exception of the pure American chestnut.