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Horse Chestnut: The Conker Tree Care Guide
Trees

Horse Chestnut: The Conker Tree Care Guide

Aesculus hippocastanum

Horse chestnut care (Aesculus hippocastanum): large ornamental tree with candle-like flowers. Full sun, cool deep soil, toxic seeds.

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Characteristics

Scientific nameAesculus hippocastanum
Height20-35 m
Sunlightpieno sole
Watermedia
Soilfresco profondo
Toxicitytossica
Growthmedia
Temperature-25 a 32 °C
FloweringApr, May
IrrigationWater young trees to keep the soil cool during dry spells; mature trees look after themselves except in long droughts.

The horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), or conker tree, is a large ornamental deciduous tree with showy upright white flower spikes like candles in spring. It wants full sun and cool, deep, well-drained soil and is very hardy. Its shiny seeds (conkers) are toxic and not edible, unlike sweet chestnuts. It reaches 20-35 metres.

Flowering season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Practical tips

Watering

Water needs: media — always check soil moisture before watering.

Position

Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.

Substrate

Recommended soil: fresco profondo. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.

Leaves

Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.

FAQ

Are horse chestnuts (conkers) edible?
No: horse chestnut seeds contain aesculin and saponins and are toxic; the edible chestnuts come from the sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), a different tree.
Where should I plant a horse chestnut?
In a large, open, sunny space: it grows huge with spreading roots, so keep it well away from houses, pavements and pipes.

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