What are Chestnut Crabapples?
Chestnut Crab apple is frequently used as a pollinator for other apples.
It is also one of the few cultivars that are self-pollinating, although another cultivar nearby is advisable.
Introduced by the University of Minnesota in 1946 and released in 1949, the 15 to 20-foot trees produce a yellow crab apple with red highlights, some say a red crab apple with yellow blushes.
The crisp flesh is sweet with an earthy nut-like flavor.
Most crab apples are typically cherry sized, these are larger, averaging 2 inches round.

Chestnut Crabapple is not fully resistant to any common blights it has a good general disease resistance, but is somewhat susceptible to cedar apple rust.
Chestnut Crabapple Growing Guide
- Hardy in zones 3 to 8
- Cold hardy down to -400 F
- Mature Height: 16-18 ft.
- Mature Spread: 10 – 25 ft.
- Soil Type: Well-drained
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Bloom Time: Mid to Late May
- Bloom Color: White
- Fruiting Time: 2 – 3 years
- Fruit Color: Yellow – Red
- Fruit ripens: September / October
- Fruit Size: 2-inch Average diameter
- Fruit Taste: Excellent, sweet crisp, No bitterness. Some describe a ‘nutty’ flavor. A tad of cider taste
- Fruit Yield: Normal to above average in optimal conditions