How to Plant Horse Chestnuts
The horse chestnut family (Aesculus spp.) consists of 15 species of deciduous shrubs and trees. The large-sized tree native to Europe grows more than 100 feet tall and is not suited for smaller gardens. Horse chestnut, also referred to as buckeye, blooms with 7-inch panicles of white flowers, referred to as candles, during spring. The flowers are followed by inedible nuts covered in thick, green, spiny husks. Though referred to by a similar name, horse chestnuts are not related to the edible sweet chestnuts (Castanea sativa). You can easily plant horse chestnuts to obtain new trees. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Prepare a 4-inch pot by filling it halfway with potting mix. Pick a fresh nut during fall and remove the outer green husk.
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Place the nut on the soil with the shiny side up. Add more potting mix to fill the pot to just below the rim. Spread a thin layer of grit or coarse sand on the soil surface. Grit refers to fine, rough particles of rock.
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Water well after planting and place the pot outdoors on any level surface. The planted seed may be exposed to all weather conditions including frost and snow. The melting snow actually helps with seed germination in spring.
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Stratify the seed prior to planting if you live in an area with mild winters and no winter frost or if you do not wish to plant right away. Place the seed in a small plastic bag filled with 1/2 cup of damp sand. Seal the bag and refrigerate for three weeks. Remove and sow in a 4-inch pot.
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Water regularly if needed. Do not allow the soil to dry out as the seed awaits germination. Under optimal growth conditions, this should happen the following spring.
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Allow the newly sprouted seedling to get well-established and develop a strong root system before you attempt to transplant it to a permanent place in the garden.
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Plant the tree in an area of full sun and in fertile, moist soil. The hardy tree is long-lived, often achieving an age of 150 or more years. Most trees tend to lose their brittle branches after 80 years.
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Tips & Warnings
The seed in your pot may be susceptible to attacks from hungry rodents and squirrels. Select a spot that is free from any potential pests.
Avoid planting the buckeye in cramped areas with insufficient growing space such as near structures, buildings and concrete pavings as the tree can damage these extensively. You are also likely to incur further costs if the tree needs removal.
