Hershey Crab Apple Seed

John Hershey is famous in the tree crop world for his nursery work and experimental plantings back in the early and mid-1900s. His nursery was known as Americans number one tree crops nursery. John worked to collect seed and scion wood from trees with superior qualities all across the country. He grew out seedlings and grafted trees on his farm in Downingtown PA. Sadly after his death the farm was not protected and much of it has been destroyed to make room for suburban sprawl. Some of the trees remain.

There is a cluster of trees planted by John near where his old farm used to be. These trees are found in the area surrounding Downingtown Friends Meetinghouse. One of these trees is an excellent non astringent crab apple. 

The fruit on this tree is sweet without a hint of tartness. In 2024 this tree was absolutely loaded with fruit. I have not observed this tree in previous years so I am not certain if this is a big crop or a typical crop. To me these seeds are important because nobody takes care of the mother tree. She is out in a tightly mowed urban lot, with no sprays, mulch, or care. And yet still produces a large crop of crabapples that also happen to not have astringency. For breeding, for wildlife/silvopasture, and for home use these are really important traits. 

Each pack contains 20 seeds. We recommend stratifying these seeds for best germination results.