Gardening: Want to grow your own Ohio buckeye tree? Here are 7 things you need to know (2024)

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Gardening: Want to grow your own Ohio buckeye tree? Here are 7 things you need to know? ›

Seeds should be planted in loose, well-worked soil about 6 inches apart, and at a depth twice the diameter of the seed. It won't hurt to plant more Buckeyes than you want, since only half are likely to germinate. To help hold the soil in place, put 2 to 3 inches of mulch, straw or well-rotted sawdust over the planting.

Seeds should be planted in loose, well-worked soil about 6 inches apart, and at a depth twice the diameter of the seed. It won't hurt to plant more Buckeyes than you want, since only half are likely to germinate. To help hold the soil in place, put 2 to 3 inches of mulch, straw or well-rotted sawdust over the planting.

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Buckeye trees need full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. Avoid planting your tree in an area that is too shady, as this can lead to the tree becoming leggy and weak.

California Buckeye needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn't get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0" pot. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Although a mature Ohio buckeye tree is are often found in full sun locations, it grows best in partial to full shade. It's growth rate is moderate averaging 1-1.5' per year. In 3-5 years, a 3 year seedling will grow to about 10'.

They do best in soils that are a silty clay loam, rich in organic matter, slightly acidic and moist but well drained. They can grow in other conditions, but won't do as well if soil is too dry or very clay based or sandy. “Typically on new construction sites, you'll see soils that are really compacted,” Snyder says.

Punch holes in the lid of the container to provide air circulation. Stratify the seeds by placing them in the refrigerator at a temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit for 120 days. Plant buckeye seeds directly outdoors in fall or stratify seeds indoors and plant in spring. When planting, place seeds 1 to 2 inches deep.

The most toxic chemical in the buckeye are glycosides, especially a saponin called aesculin and a narcotic alkaloid. These toxins are in the entire tree, including the leaves, nuts, bark, and shoots. They are poisonous to dogs and can produce intestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Removing the shell and roasting the nut neutralizes its harmful tannic acid content and makes for a protein-packed snack. If not prepared properly though, buckeye nuts are toxic to humans, causing symptoms including weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, paralysis, and death.

Culture: Red buckeye can be grown in shade or full sun, although its growth is shrubby and open in shade. It does well in all soil textures, and prefers a moist, well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline to acidic. It grows best in good, rich soil.

What is the lifespan of a buckeye tree? ›

Seedlings can grow under some shade, but the species seems to develop best as isolated individuals in openings along streambanks and on other moist sites. Young trees show moderate growth rates and may begin producing fruit at 8 years. Most trees live 80-100 years.

As well as the belief in the good fortune of its storied seed, the buckeye has been held to cure rheumatism and other, more minor ailments. Pioneering farm families also made soap from the kernels of buckeye seeds, and many a child's cradle was carved from the wood of this tree.

The process of growing California buckeye trees is relatively simple, as they require little maintenance once established. However, it will be imperative that conditions for growth are met. Trees will require a well-draining planting location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day.

In the late spring, the buckeye tree produces hermaphroditic flowers (male and female organs in one flower) arranged in an upward-pointing panicle (a much-branched, compound inflorescence) 10-20 cm in length.

Then place them in the refrigerator to stratify for 120 days at 41 F. Once the stratification period is up and the seeds have had time to germinate, they can be planted indoors.

Do deer eat buckeyes? No, they don't. Buckeyes are poisonous to ruminants like cattle, so deer are not far behind. Buckeyes are also toxic to humans and many other animals, so you need to consider the drawbacks before choosing to cultivate them.

Young trees show moderate growth rates and may begin producing fruit at 8 years. Most trees live 80-100 years. Ohio buckeye can be propagated by seed (stratify 60- 120 days at 33-41° F); seeds must be kept moist to avoid loss of viability.

They can be collected in late summer after they turn a leathery tan color and begin to split open exposing the three large black seeds. Seeds are removed by peeling the capsule apart. Seeds resemble edible chestnuts, but Ohio buckeye fruits are not edible and can be toxic.

Ohio buckeye is a bottomland species usually found on moist soils on floodplains. It also occurs on drier, more upland sites. It is occasionally found along roadsides and in fencerows.