Castanea sativa ‘Pilio’, Sweet chestnut, Height 80cm, 5 litre pot

The Castanea sativa ‘Pilio’ is a rare Greek sweet chestnut that has been cultivated for generations in carefully managed orchards on the Greek mainland. This special variety is known for its large, sweet chestnuts, similar to the French Maraval, but with an even richer flavour and an excellent texture that is perfect for roasting, baking, cooking and using in savoury or sweet dishes.

‘Pilio’ grows into a slender, fairly columnar tree 10–15 metres tall, with broad, glossy leaves that give the tree a majestic appearance. In June, the male catkins appear, which are not only decorative but also particularly rich in nectar – ideal for bees in the area. The chestnuts ripen in October and are renowned for their exceptional size (up to almost 4 cm) and high quality.

This Greek variety is self-pollinating, begins bearing fruit at a relatively young age (from around 5 years old) and is also resistant to chestnut blight. The tree is highly drought-tolerant once it is well-established and thrives in almost all well-drained soils, from slightly acidic to neutral.

For a strong start, you can plant in light, slightly acidic soil or add Planting soil for fruit trees. For a lush, drought-tolerant nut garden, combine with our other nut tree varieties such as Pistachia vera (pistachio tree) or Juglans regia ‘Chandler’

(Please note that every tree needs water, especially in the early stages after planting, until it has become well-established)

✔ Castanea sativa ‘Pilio’ – Zeldzame Griekse tamme kastanje
✔ Grote, zoete kastanjes met hoogwaardige smaak
✔ Zelfbestuivend – draagt al op jonge leeftijd
✔ Slanke, sierlijke groei (10–15 m hoog)
✔ Bijenplant met rijke nectarproductie
✔ Rijpt in oktober – ideaal voor poffen of koken
✔ Zeer gezond ras, resistent tegen kastanjepest
✔ Groeit op alle goed doorlatende gronden, redelijk droogtetolerant

Specifications
Pot size: 5 litres
Height on delivery: approx. 80 cm
Number: 1 tree
Mature height: 12–20 metres
Wingspan: 8–15 metres
Location: sun – partial shade
Flowering season: June – July
Harvest time: October
Pollination: self-pollinating
Soil: acidic to neutral; well-drained
Hardiness: up to -20 °C
Growth habit: columnar, vigorous
Special features: Greek origin, very large chestnuts, attracts bees

With the Castanea sativa ‘With ’Pilio’, you’re bringing a unique, productive and flavourful chestnut tree into your garden – a tree with character, history and exceptional fruit.