In dry areas, new trees need 5-8 gallons of water per tree per week in driest months. Coastal plantings may need little or no irrigation following tree maturity. Hand harvested off ground, ideally every two days during two-week October drop. Prickly burrs still removed largely by hand. Some attempts at using modified walnut sweepers and hullers have had limited success.
Most chestnuts consumed in U.S. come from Italy.
Research activities Limited in California. Interest elsewhere in breeding for disease resistant rootstocks, higher-yielding hybrid varieties. References Chestnuts as an Alternative Crop. Paul Vossen, University of California Cooperative Extension, Sonoma County. Growing Chestnuts in Oregon.