Chestnut tree

Guernsey Donkey2

We have one remaining chestnut tree (conker) and I would like to grow some saplings from the fruit.  Any suggestions, tips would be welcome.

Fran IOM

Hi @Guernsey Donkey2  As you have helped me in the past I hope someone will be able to help you with your query. Been a while since you posted your thread. 

josusa47

I don't think there's anything to it really. You put fresh, ripe conkers in pots of compost or garden soil, leave them outdoors and don't let them dry out.

Guernsey Donkey2

Thanks Fran.   Josusa47 have you tried growing them yourself?  Since I posted on here I googled to find out more - they appear to be relatively easy to germinate. I will give them a go in the autumn when the conkers have dropped to the ground.  I have had great success with the acorns I planted last autumn - some of the saplings are approx. 9" tall already and I will be potting them on for the third time soon.

UpNorth

Yes they appear all over here, thanks to squirrels.  they germinate very easy....very big tree, do you really need such large sized things?  

josusa47

Guernsey Donkey2 said:

Thanks Fran.   Josusa47 have you tried growing them yourself?  Since I posted on here I googled to find out more - they appear to be relatively easy to germinate. I will give them a go in the autumn when the conkers have dropped to the ground.  I have had great success with the acorns I planted last autumn - some of the saplings are approx. 9" tall already and I will be potting them on for the third time soon.

No, I can't say I have, not having rolling acres to plant.  But since they're hardy and selfseed when left to their own devices, I doubt they'd need anything more.

Guernsey Donkey2

Well it's strange that we had two chestnut/conker trees growing in a field but neither had selfseeded - unlike the sycamores that pop up all over the place, especially in the veg patch. I will collect some of the conkers in the autumn to germinate over the winter. We have to import most of our saplings from the U.K. and postage almost doubles the cost of each one, so growing a few of my own will save a few pounds.

Johnprescott929

I live in Huddersfield, planted 4 conkers in my mums back garden, 4 years ago. All sprouted, the tallest is now 6ft, the smallest is 4.5ft. This is without feeding them etc!  Luckily they tend to grow tall and thin, for the 1st five or ten years or so, then bulk out. However, they do grow into big trees, and before they get too big to move, I am transferring them from the garden in to pots (after some root pruning). Dead easy though, fresh conkers, good soil, sheltered position whilst young. Good luck!!