Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Tuesday - May 01, 2007
From: Bellaire, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: How to propagate Texas red buckeye (Aesculus sp.) from seeds
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a Texas Red Buckeye that is doing very well. How do I propagate from the seeds that come off of that tree? Thanks,ANSWER:
The seeds of of all the buckeyes, including Aesculus pavia (red buckeye) or Aesculus glabra var. arguta (Texas or Ohio buckeye), germinate easily according to Jill Nokes in How to Grow Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest. She explains that the seeds should be collected as soon as their outer covering begins to dry and curl back. They should be planted outdoors or in a cold frame as soon as they are collected. The seeds should be covered about an inch deep with soil and, if they are planted in a pot to be transplanted later, it needs to be deep enough to accomodate a long initial root. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Although some seeds may germinate within a week, it may take a month or more for others to germinate. At first, most of their growing effort will be channeled into making a strong root system and they will not produce very much in the way of leaves until the spring growing season. You can read more about propagating and taking care of the Texas buckeye in Jill's book, available in the Wildflower Center gift store, probably in your local bookstore, and perhaps in your local library. For a detailed account of the species see the article from the US Forest Service.
More Propagation Questions
Germination of Passiflora suberosa in Monterrey Mexico
October 26, 2009 - Hello, I need recommendation on how to germinate Passiflora seeds. I have a Passiflora suberosa plant, not on your database but native, and have fresh fuits of it. They look very much like a blueber...
view the full question and answer
Cultivation of Gossypium hirsutum, Upland Cotton
February 08, 2006 - I got a cotton boll (seeds and all) at a spinning workshop. I spun the cotton and the lady who brought the cotton boles said the seeds could be planted and the plant could be grown in a container on ...
view the full question and answer
Germination and propagation of bluebonnets
April 25, 2005 - I live in Austin. Last fall I spread a load of dirt on my lawn to provide soil contact for the 2 pounds of bluebonnet seeds I subsequently spread (this was in early November). The germination rate a...
view the full question and answer
Care and propagation of Kentucky Coffeetree
December 22, 2006 - I found a tree on our property in Missouri, after some reserch I found that it is a Kentucky Coffee tree. I collected several of the pods and would like to know how I can plant them to grow. Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Non-blooming or fruiting Oregon grape holly in Elmhurst IL
May 14, 2010 - I have an Oregon grape holly bush that has never bloomed and has never had fruit. I have had the bush for at least 6 years, it is approximately 5 ft tall. Have had no problems, just no flowers/fruit....
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
