A very beautiful heirloom apple that stores well.
Chestnut Crab Apple on P.18 (Spring 2025)
An attractive, versatile crabapple with outstanding rich, complex flavor . Also known as Chestnut Sweetcrab.
Chestnut Crab grows on a semi-compact, slightly weeping tree that is moderately vigorous and suitable for a wide range of climates. It is disease resistant, but as an early bloomer, it is susceptible to frost. A landscape tree that doubles as a useful pollenizer, Chestnut Crab provides a stunning show of white blossom, and it also produces a delicious miniature dessert apple.
The fruit is an beautiful bronzed red that is finely russeted. It is large by crab standards–about two inches diameter–and it ripens over several weeks, making it ideal for the backyard grower. The yellowish flesh is finely grained, with a crisp snap to it. The standout quality of this apple is its flavor profile, which is rich and complex. It is often described as "nutty," but some tasters find "baked" notes such as caramel, nutmeg or vanilla. The high sugar content is balanced by acids, but the sugar definitely dominates.
This apple was developed in 1949 by the University of Minnesota, who also developed Honeycrisp. DNA fingerprinting indicates that one of its parents is Wealthy.
The Fruit
Fruit Type
Category: Apple
Subcategory:
Crabapple, Cider, Cold-Hardy, Hot-Climate
Fruit Uses & Storage
Uses: fresh eating, cider, baking, jelly, sauce
Cider classification: sweet
Storage duration: one to three months (approximate, depending on storage conditions)
Fruit Appearance
Skin color: red
Flesh color: cream
Fruit Origins
Parentage: Wealthy x unkown parent
Origin: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Introduced in: 1949
Introduced by: University of Minnesota
The Environment
Calendar & Geography
USDA zones: 3 - 8
Chill hours: Not yet determined
Ripening date: Sep 01 (approximate, in New York State) 14 days before McIntosh
Tree Height & Spacing
glossary
Rootstock: P.18 Rootstock
Rootstock size class: Standard (100% Size)
Tree spacing (natural spread of tree): 35'
Good for wildlife planting? Y
Diseases & Pests
glossary
Fireblight: Very Resistant
Cedar-Apple Rust: Resistant
Powdery Mildew:
Apple Scab:
Pollination
Pollination Factors
glossary
Bloom group: 3
Is it self-fertile? N
Is it fertile? Y
Ploidy: Diploid
Rootstock size class:
Standard (100% Size)
Pollination Partners
This table shows the first few results from a full search for pollenizers of Chestnut Crab Apple on P.18. Please see our Pollenizer Search to run other queries and read how the application uses various factors. Also read more about fruit tree pollination.
See all pollination matches for Chestnut Crab Apple on P.18
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