Pre-order for spring 2024We are now accepting pre-orders for the spring 2024 planting season.
Orange Pippin Trees USA logoSpecialist fruit trees for your orchard or back-yard

Chestnut Crab crab apple tree

Malus domestica 'Chestnut Crab'

Chestnut Crab
Chestnut Crab is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Picking season: Mid
  • Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
  • Pollination group: 3
A large-fruited cold-hardy crab-apple.
StarStarStarStarStar empty See or add reviews

Chestnut Crab crab apple trees for sale

  • 1Medium 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
    Mature height: 8ft-12ft after 10 years
    Semi-dwarf rootstock
  • 2Large 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
    Mature height: 10ft-16ft after 10 years
    Semi-vigorous rootstock
  • 3Full-size 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
    Mature height: 16ft-24ft after 10 years
    Vigorous rootstock
Next deliveries

We are now accepting pre-orders for the spring 2024 planting season.


Although considered a crab-apple on account of its small fruit size, Chestnut Crab is perhaps best considered an apple that produces very small fruits rather than a true crab-apple.

The fruitlets have a complex sweet flavor, with little of the tartness usually associated with crab-apples.

The juice quality is very good, making it an excellent choice for cider blends.

How to grow

Chestnut Crab is one of the best choices for north-country growers, as it is very cold-hardy.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

Chestnut Crab was developed at the University of Minnesota, and released in 1949. One of its parents is Wealthy, one of the first cold-hardy varieties developed in Minnesota.

Chestnut Crab characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Self-fertilityNot self-fertile
  • Pollination group3
  • Pollinating othersAverage
  • PloidyDiploid
  • WildlifeAttractive to birds - Deer.RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Picking seasonMid
  • UsesEating freshCulinaryJuiceHard cider
  • CroppingGood
  • Keeping (of fruit)2-3 weeks
  • Flavor style (apples)Sweeter
  • Juice styleSharper
  • General resistanceGood
  • Cedar apple rustSome resistance
  • Cold hardiness (USDA)(3) -40F / -40C
  • Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)Cold (< 20C / 67F)
  • Country of originUnited States
  • Period of origin1900 - 1949
  • Flesh colourCream
  • Fruit colorOrange / Red
  • Fruit sizeLarge