Walnut
Can I Grow Chandler?
Chandler is California's walnut king — producing more walnuts per acre than any other variety with large, light-colored kernels that command premium prices. It's the variety that dominates 40% of California's walnut acreage.
Growing Requirements
Chill Hours
700
Hardiness Zones
5-6-7-8
Harvest
Late September to October
Results
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Pruning dates, harvests, spray schedules, what worked. The gardeners who get the most from their trees are the ones who kept records.
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About Chandler
Chandler is California's walnut king — producing more walnuts per acre than any other variety with large, light-colored kernels that command premium prices. It's the variety that dominates 40% of California's walnut acreage.
Chandler requires 700 chill hours — the number of hours between 32°F and 45°F during winter dormancy. Without enough chill, the tree may fail to flower properly or produce poor fruit.
⚠️ Common Challenges
Late leafing helps avoid walnut blight but still susceptible; needs deep, well-drained soil; large tree requires significant space.
❌ Common Misconception
Can I grow Chandler in Zone 9 or warmer?
No. While Chandler is listed for zones 5-8, it requires 700 chill hours to produce fruit. Warm zones like 9+ typically receive only 200-400 chill hours. The tree may survive but will not fruit reliably. Consider low-chill alternatives like Anna apple (200h) or Tropic Snow peach (200h) instead.
If you plant it, write it down.
Variety, rootstock, planting date — and every pruning and harvest after that. Future you will thank you.
Free for up to 30 plants. No card needed.
Other Walnut Varieties
Chill hour data from ERA5 reanalysis (Copernicus/ECMWF). Variety information compiled from university extension services.