Chestnut Crabapple Trees: Plant Profile

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, Tree and Fruit

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

More Crabapple Varieties