History: Chestnut crabapples were bred at the University of Minnesota in 1949. They are one of about thirty varieties that have been produced by the university's breeding program since it started in 1888.
Why We Grow It: The rosy-red Chestnut crabapple produces fruit that is unusually large for a crabapple with a nutty taste. Unlike other crabapples, it is sweet enough to eat fresh and can be used in cider while still being good for traditional crabapple recipes such as making jellies.
Canadian Hardiness Zone: 2
Soil Preference: Sandy loam, loam, clay loam. Prefers average to moist conditions, avoid planting anywhere that floods for more than two weeks in the spring. Generally quite adaptable to different soil conditions.
Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Grows vigorously, resistant to cedar rust
Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)
Pollination: Pollination: Requires a pollinator of a different apple variety that blooms around the same time. Like other crabapples and applecrabs, this variety is an excellent pollinator thanks to its large number of blossoms. This variety also flowers over a long period of time which improves its pollination abilities.
Flowering Time: Early
Ripens: Late August
Fruit Size: 2-3in across
Storage: Keeps about a month when stored in cool, humid conditions
Recommended Use: Fresh eating, cooking, cider
- Class: Sweet
- Sugar: High
- Acidity: Average
- Tannins: Low
Size including roots:
- 1 year grade 100-200 cm whip
- 2 year grade 100 cm+ with 3 or more branches, 30 cm or more
- B grade less than 100 cm