Chestnut Tree Seeds - American Chestnut
**Orders containing large seeds are only eligible for parcel shipping rates.**
(Castanea dentata) Zones 4 - 8. Endangered Native Tree.
This giant, gentle provider was once a staple food source among Indigenous people and later, settlers. Now, the American Chestnut exists almost exclusively as part of restorative breeding projects.
Colonization brought many hardships to Turtle Island and for this Chestnut came chestnut blight in 1904. This disease, all but wiped them out. It is thought that in the East, one quarter of all hardwood trees was a Chestnut Tree.
We invite you to try growing this endangered plant. All seeds carry with them their heritage, from way back at the beginning. The're also the keepers of the future of their species. If American Chestnut goes extinct, that story-line stops and that is very sad.
Something to note, when it comes to any chestnut tree, is that their spiky shells will need to be raked up every year, especially if you enjoy going barefoot. Ouch!
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Cold Hardiness: Zones 4 -8
Edible: Yes
Size: Large Tree
Growth Rate: Fast
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Native Plant: Yes
Germination: 70 - 80%
Sun requirements: Full Sun
Soil Requirements: Sandy, loamy soils. Well draining.
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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
* It is VERY important that these seeds do not dry out or sit at room temperature. Upon receiving them, refrigerate immediately! If you see mold, please refer to our video "How To Start Your Tree Seeds".
-Requires 120 days cold, moist stratification. For more information on stratification, check out our article "How To Start Your Tree Seeds".
*If you are doing the cold period in your fridge, please check on your seeds. 120 days is an estimate & they may sprout sooner.*
- Plant stratified seeds in pots or a nursery bed using standard potting soil. Heat mats are NOT required & can hinder germination!
- Protect young tree seedlings from slugs, cutworms & rodents. Slugs especially can eat primary leaves as soon as they come up, so be vigilant!
** American Chestnut trees have both female and male flowers but the cannot pollinate themselves. You must have two or more trees for them to produce nuts. **
*Excited about growing Fruit Trees from seed? Learn more HERE.*
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Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.
