Walnut
Chandler Pollination Guide
Chandler can set some fruit on its own, but produces significantly better crops with a pollination partner.
While Chandler has some ability to self-pollinate, you'll get noticeably larger harvests and better fruit quality with a compatible variety planted nearby. For the best results, plant one of the recommended partners within 50–100 feet.
Chandler Quick Facts
Chill Hours
700 hours
Hardiness Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Harvest
Late September to October
Pollination Note
Self-fertile but yields improve significantly with a late-blooming pollinator like Franquette or Cisco
Planning Your Orchard
Walnuts are wind-pollinated and benefit from having a second variety nearby. Bloom timing varies — early and late varieties may not overlap enough for cross-pollination.
Browse our orchard planning guide or explore the full permanent plant catalog to find the right varieties for your garden.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Compatible Pollination Partners
Can I Grow Chandler?
Check if your climate has enough chill hours for Chandler. Use GPS, map, or zip code for an instant answer.
Check your location →Interactive Pollination Checker
Compare pollination compatibility across all 85+ fruit varieties in our database.
Open checker →Most people forget within a year.
Which pairs fruited well, what bloomed when, what you did each season — write it down from the start.
Free for up to 30 plants. No card needed.
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.
Growing Challenges
Late leafing helps avoid walnut blight but still susceptible; needs deep, well-drained soil; large tree requires significant space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close does a pollinator need to be to Chandler?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Chandler. Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.
Can I grow just one Chandler tree?
You can, but you'll get significantly better harvests with a compatible partner nearby. Chandler is partially self-fertile — it will set some fruit alone, but cross-pollination dramatically improves yield and fruit quality.
Other Walnut Varieties
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Chandler?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.