Growing California buckeye from seed

Discussion in 'Woody Plants' started by link2007, Nov 25, 2007.

  1. link2007

    link2007 Active Member

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    Location:
    California, US
    I am trying to grow California Buckeyes (Aesculus californica) for my school. Does anyone here know the right way to propagate them from seed, or at least know a website that describes the method?

    This is what I have done so far:

    I have planted the buckeyes in 5 gallon pots with well draining soil. I put two or three in each pot, just barely burying the buckeyes. I have kept the pot constantly moist, but not soggy or like a bog.

    Is this the right way?
     
  2. smivies

    smivies Active Member

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    Location:
    Kingston, Ontario, Canada
    With buckeyes in general....plant as soon as ripe. They do not tolerate any drying out whatsoever. California Buckeye also generally germinate as soon as planted & it does not require cold stratification (same for many buckeye species). Germination will start with the growth of a long tap root, you may not see any above ground action for a while. Try leaving the pots outside, bringing them in only if a frost is predicted, and keep them moist, not wet.
     
  3. link2007

    link2007 Active Member

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    Thank you for the help! (:
     
  4. aesculuscalifornica

    aesculuscalifornica Member

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    Location:
    Salinas, CA
    So when is a good time to transplant it into the ground? We (in sunny and dry Salinas, CA) have one that's now about 6" tall that grew from a seed.

    What fertilizer balance is best, and what transplanting prep do you recommend??

    Thanks,
    Melissa & Nick

    California Buckeyes
     

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