Chestnut Tree Seeds - American Chestnut
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(Castanea dentata) Perennial. 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
**REFRIGERATE SEEDS IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIVING**
* It is VERY important that these seeds do not dry out or sit at room temperature. If you see mold, please refer to our video "How To Start Your Tree Seeds".
SEED PRETREATMENT: Mix seeds with a moistened grow medium equal to 3-4 times seed volume. Place in a plastic bag, covered tray/cells or container.
STRATIFICATION: 120 days cold/moist (5°C). Place plastic bag with seeds and soil in your refrigerator, preferably in a veggie crisper. Inspect periodically for even moisture and early germination.
POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds 1” deep. Water evenly and regularly.
GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 30-45 days.
** American Chestnut trees have both female and male flowers but they cannot pollinate themselves. You must have two or more trees for each 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.