Chestnut, Hybrid (Bareroot)

These hybrid chestnut seedlings are selected for high productivity, blight resistance, and exceptional nut quality, making them a cornerstone for sustainable food systems. Offered as bareroot stock for late fall and early spring dormant planting, they provide a cost-effective solution for establishing large-scale production orchards or wildlife plantings. When planted correctly in a well-prepared site, these trees establish robust root systems before top growth begins.

Castanea spp. seedlings in this collection are primarily hybrids of Chinese (Castanea mollissima), Japanese (C. crenata), and American (C. dentata) species. Seed for this season was sourced exclusively from Rt. 9 Cooperative.

Ideally suited for production orchards, wildlife habitats, or as specimen trees in the landscape, these chestnuts offer both beauty and edible value. They require full sun and thrive in slightly acidic soil and should not be planted in wet soils, shade or high water table environments where drainage is poor. It is recommended to plant at least two trees to ensure pollination. At maturity, these trees can reach up to 60 feet in height with a spread of 40-60 feet.

Choosing bareroot stock allows growers to handle and plant young trees efficiently during their dormant phase. With proper site selection and care, these seedlings are capable of developing into long-lived, productive canopy trees.

Cultivar Notes

• Empire Elite Mix (Rt. 9): This orchard mix is from an orchard block of grafted and seedling trees, comprised mainly of Chinese (C. molissima) and Chinese-type hybrid chestnuts. Grown from a wide variety of sources, trees that are underperforming are removed to ensure the most desirable traits in the pollen cloud: precocity, vigor, and productivity. We have been growing chestnuts from this orchard for years and have planted many here at the farm.
• Stehli Mix (Rt. 9): Grown and selected by Bob Stehli in Ohio over the past 30 years, the Stehli Mix includes seed from grafted cultivars of Chinese chestnuts as well as Chinese hybrids. The parent trees have been selected for productivity and for the quality of their progeny. They are genetically distinct from the parent trees of the Empire Elite Mix, though there is some overlap. We also grow many trees from this mix at Arthur's Point.