Colossal Chestnut Tree Seeds | Colossal Hybrid Chestnut | (Castanea species 'Colossal')
Colossal Chestnut Tree Seeds | Colossal Hybrid Chestnut | (Castanea species 'Colossal')
Big, sweet chestnuts, vigorous growth, and reliable production for homesteads and wildlife plantings.
Castanea species ‘Colossal’, commonly called Colossal Chestnut, is a well known cultivated chestnut selection prized for its large nut size and strong performance in orchard and food forest settings. It is grown for dependable harvests, strong growth, and broad utility as a long term mast and food producing tree.
Colossal chestnuts are a favorite for homesteaders, growers building perennial food systems, and anyone planting for wildlife value. Like most chestnuts, it performs best with ample sun, well drained soils, and a second chestnut nearby for strong pollination and nut set.
Why Grow Colossal Chestnut?
- Known for large, high quality chestnuts
- Excellent choice for food forests and homestead orchards
- High value wildlife mast producer when mature
- Fast growing long lived tree with strong landscape presence
- Best results with cross pollination from another chestnut
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Castanea species ‘Colossal’
- Common Names: Colossal Chestnut
- Germination Rate: 75%
- Harvest Year: 2024
- Seed Source: USA
- Stratification: Cold moist stratification recommended
- USDA Zones: 5–9
- Soil: Well drained, slightly acidic preferred
- Light: Full sun
- Mature Size: 30–50 ft tall × 25–40 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Packet Sizes: 5, 10, 25, 50, or 100 seeds
Ecological Importance
- Nuts provide a high energy fall food source for deer, turkey, and other wildlife.
- Mature trees contribute to long term canopy and habitat structure.
- Supports resilient, perennial food systems that reduce annual inputs.
Fun Facts
- Chestnuts are naturally low in fat compared to many other nuts and are traditionally roasted or ground into flour.
- Chestnuts are famous for fast juvenile growth when given sun and good drainage.
- Planting two different chestnuts nearby can significantly improve nut production through cross pollination.
Evergreen Seed Co. delivers premium, high germination tree seeds for growers focused on resilience, food security, and long term ecological impact. Each order includes detailed germination instructions and seed handling guidance for confident planting.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
