August 16, 2025
Chestnuts Are Coming Back: Why You Should Reserve Chestnut Seedlings and Chestnuts Now
Chestnuts are coming back in the United States. Growers across the country are expanding orchards, consumers are discovering their flavor and versatility, and demand is growing faster than supply. That’s why if you’re thinking about planting chestnut trees—or even just enjoying fresh chestnuts—it’s essential to reserve chestnut seedlings and chestnuts now.
Why Reservations Matter
The reality is simple: chestnut growers sell out. Every year. With most orchards still in their growth phase, the supply of both seedlings and nuts is limited. Waiting until fall to order often means you’re too late. By reserving now, you secure your spot in line and guarantee your trees or chestnuts are held for you when the season arrives. Most of us growers do not like disappointing customers!
Understanding Your Options
Chestnut seedlings are typically offered in two forms, each with their own advantages:
| Type | How They’re Grown | Key Advantages | Considerations | Best For |
| Bare Root (EBB Farms Method) | Raised in 3-gallon breathable grow bags, then shipped dormant with soil gently shaken off. | Strong, fibrous root systems; ships efficiently; establishes quickly; further along thanks to extra nursery time. | Higher cost, but the extra year in the nursery means customers often see faster growth and quicker establishment. Many other “bare roots” sold elsewhere are much smaller and less developed than ours. | Growers who want faster establishment and a jump-start on maturity. |
| Air-Pruned (Grow Bag) | Raised in breathable containers that naturally prune roots at the edges. | Dense, fibrous root system; minimal transplant shock; flexible planting window. | Less expensive option, but seedlings are younger and not as developed as our bare root trees. Still an excellent starter for new growers. | First-time growers, smaller projects, or those planting later in the season. |
Two excellent options—the right choice depends on your goals, timing, and budget.
One important note: not all bare root trees are created equal. Some bare roots on the market are small, thin, and underdeveloped when shipped. At EBB Farms, we take a different approach. Our bare root trees spend an extra season in protected nurseries, where they’re watered daily, weeded, and carefully stacked.
Each tree is raised in a 3-gallon grow bag to build a substantial, fibrous root system before we ship it dormant. These are the same trees we plant in our own orchards—because we believe every customer deserves stock we’d proudly grow ourselves. That extra time and care mean you get a stronger tree that often grows more quickly after planting. Our experience, do your research.
Seedlings Available at EBB Farms
At EBB Farms, powered by United Chestnuts through the Partner Program, you’ll find a wide range of cultivars available for reservation:
- UMCA PQK – Our best seller, bred by the University of Missouri for vigor, productivity, and adaptability.
- Dunstan – America’s most widely planted chestnut, known for blight resistance, high yields, and strong market appeal.
- Hiram, Gideon, and Miller – Trusted orchard genetics from within the United Chestnuts network, carefully selected for resilience and nut quality.
- Eaton – A productive hybrid valued for large nuts and reliable yields, often chosen for commercial orchards.
- Sleeping Giant – A Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station introduction, prized for cold-hardiness, consistent crops, and easy-peeling nuts.
These cultivars are available in both bare root and air-pruned forms, giving growers flexibility while ensuring strong starts and reliable performance.
🌱 Explore More in the Store
Want the details on each cultivar?
From nut size and flavor to growth traits and best uses, you’ll find full descriptions, photos, and current availability in our online store.
👉 Visit unitedchestnuts.com/ebb-farms to explore all seedlings and chestnuts.
Planting for the Future
Reserving seedlings today means you’re planting for tomorrow—creating shade, legacy, and long-term value. Chestnut trees are resilient, productive, and valuable for generations. And if you’re reserving nuts for the season ahead, you’re making sure your holiday recipes and farm-to-table moments don’t miss out.
Don’t Miss Out!
Chestnut growers across the country are reporting record demand and limited supply. Whether you’re a farmer, a landowner adding food plots, or simply someone who loves the taste of roasted chestnuts, reserving today is the only way to be sure you won’t be left waiting.
And remember—time is money in chestnut farming. The time we invest in growing strong seedlings now saves you time on the path to maturity later. Every season matters, so reserve early and give your trees the head start they deserve.
Chestnuts are coming back. And with EBB Farms, powered by United Chestnuts, you can be part of the story.