[College of ACES] [University of Illinois] [Illinois CES]

Re: Re: Propagating Horse Chestnut Trees from Nuts

MikeEllison@cheshirewoodland.demon.co.uk
Fri, 10 Oct 1997 18:53:29 -0500

Most seed from Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) is viable. Did you ever grow a bean in a jar with blotting paper when you were at school? Germinating this species is that easy. Remove the green shell and plant the seed about 15mm below the surface in almost any potting compost, keep moist.

Aesculus carnea (Red Horse Chestnut) does not appear to produce viable seed, but can be propogated vegetatively from hardwood cuttings.

I'm not sure about the variety you mention, but if it is a hybrid it may produce sterile seed, or if the seed is viable the plant may not develop the traits you find desirable. If you were growing an annual plant a year is not too long to wait for the flower to show, and is worth a try. With trees, 10 or 20 years is a little too long if the flower turns out to be the wrong colour or is intolerant of the local environmental conditions.

Vegatative propogation is the safest bet.