Chestnut Seeds, Chinquapin (Dwarf)
(Castanea pumila) Deciduous. Zones 5-8.
Chinquapin, also known as American Dwarf Chestnut is an amazing and widely undervalued shrub. It is more like a small tree - reaching 10-15 feet at maturity.
Chinquapin nuts are extremely tasty and sweet! They ripen in Autumn and are encased in a spiny burr. Chinquapin nuts are about the size of a pea, but so worth the work of peeling! Roasting or baking deepens their creamy, nutty flavour and gives them a floury texture. They make a delicious and nutritious potato or hot cereal substitute. For those of you with a sweet tooth; roasted chestnut ice cream is something that will change your life!
The Chinquapin is important food and medicine for Indigenous People, who ate almost every part of the plant. The leaves contain tannin and can be steeped to make an external wash to treat fever.
Chinquapin can grow in even nutritionally poor soil and enriches the soil when planted as an understory in pine forests. It is extremely winter-hardy but thrives in areas with hot, dry summers. Once established, it is drought resistant. The wood is light, hard, and very strong - excellent for fence posts and as fuel.
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Cold Hardiness: Zones 5-8
Edible: Yes
Size: Large Shrub
Growth Rate: Medium
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Native Plant: Yes
Germination: 70-90%
Sun Requirements: Full Sun for maximum fruit.
Soil Preference: Moist, 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".
- Soak Seeds 12 hrs. Follow with 90 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. 90 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!
*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.
