Marhlac Sweet Chestnut Tree
Marhlac is a vigorous sweet chestnut for buyers with room for a substantial tree. It produces large to very large mahogany-red nuts from late September into early October. The nuts store well, peel readily and are suitable for eating fresh, roasting or cooking. The tree develops a semi-upright, heavily branched crown and begins cropping relatively quickly once established. [1] [2]
Pollination: Marhlac produces no useful pollen, so it needs a genetically different, pollen-producing sweet chestnut nearby for dependable cropping. Planting another Marhlac will not pollinate it. Belle Epine is the clearest partner within this range because it produces fertile pollen and its flowering period overlaps with Marhlac. [2] [3] [4] In short, buy this sweet chestnut online and the Belle Epine to ensure maximum sized crops.
Planting Marhlac Sweet Chestnut Tree
Plant Marhlac in a spacious position in full sun, preferably in freely draining, acid-to-neutral loam or sandy soil. Avoid chalky, alkaline ground and places that remain waterlogged. Its strong growth needs plenty of room, and a sheltered position away from low-lying frost pockets will reduce the risk of late frost damaging new growth. [1] [2] [5] [6]
Dig a planting hole no deeper than the roots but considerably wider. Position the first structural roots at finished soil level, backfill carefully, firm gently and water thoroughly. Keep the surrounding ground free from grass and weeds, mulch around the root area without covering the trunk and water during dry periods while the tree establishes. [7]
Other Interesting Information about Marhlac Tree
French sources usually spell this cultivar Marlhac, although it is sold here as Marhlac. It was created by INRA in 1962 by crossing Marron de Laguépie with Japanese chestnut, Castanea crenata. It is vigorous, well branched and generally begins cropping after around four to five years in suitable conditions. [2]
Marhlac is also a useful kitchen chestnut. Its large nuts keep well, and the papery inner skin rarely divides the kernel, making them easier to peel and use whole after cooking. Gather the nuts regularly as they fall before squirrels and other wildlife find them. [1] [2]
