Description

2022 Changes: Because of the overwhelming demand for our excellent genetics, we are selling our seed nuts by you-pick.  You-Pick information.

We allow people interested in harvesting for seed to come to our farm to harvest in the morning. Maps of where the seed nut trees are located will be provided. You are allowed to gather from any tree.  All nuts harvested before 1:00 PM each day are considered seed nuts and are charged at the rate of $10/pound. There is no limit. After 1:00 PM we allow our culinary customers in to harvest. They pay $3.50 to $4.25/pound but have designated areas where they harvest. Call 319-729-5905 or email kathy@redfernfarm.com to schedule a harvest date. We do allow primitive camping in our groves to facilitate multiple mornings of harvest. You must be completed harvesting seed nuts by Noon each day.

Many of our varieties are listed at the chestnut category of scionwood for sale. Below are some of the superior trees we breed on our farm.

Badgerqing I, II, and III  are seedlings of a cross between Badgersett Research Farm hybrid chestnuts pollinized by ‘Qing.’  They are heavy bearers of medium to large nuts.  Though the Badgerqing trees are pollen-sterile, we expect about half of their seedlings will be pollen-fertile.

Jem, Gandalf, Gordon, Tucker, and Sandy are pure Chinese, reliable heavy bearers of large to extra-large nuts, though they may occasionally over-bear and produce smaller nuts.

Large Badger I, II, and III are C X A hybrids with all of their genetics coming from Badgersett Research Farm.  Their seedlings should be mostly pollen-fertile.  They are heavy bearers of medium to large nuts and their offspring should be reliably cold-hardy in zone 4b.

Scott is pure Chinese, and is a reliable heavy bearer of extra-large, exceptionally dark, mahogany-colored nuts.

Chestnut Seed: handling and planting