University of Florida

Castanea dentata

Common name(s): American Chestnut

Plant type: deciduous medium tree
Primary method of propagation: seed
Alternate propagation method(s): cutting, layering, grafting/budding

Propagation by Cuttings

Cutting type: stem tip
Time of year to take cuttings: early Summer
Cutting maturity: hardwood
Rooting hormone: IBA Quick Dip 12000 PPM
Rooting environment: intermittent mist

Propagation by Seed

Time of year to collect seed: early Autumn
Time of year to sow seed: Summer
Seed treatment: stratification
Preferred temperature for germination: 60-70 degrees F
Time required for germination: 6-8 weeks

Propagation by Layering

Type of Layering: air
Time of year to layer: Summer
Wounding: remove a ring of bark
Comment: One-year shoots are the most successful. 5000 PPM IBA assists root formation.

Propagation by Grafting

Time of year to graft: early Summer
Type of graft: cleft
Stock: Graft a dormant scion to a germinated nut.