How could I propagate a horse chestnut tree from cuttings?

Question

Or do I have to wait until the tree starts to produce seed?

I've just been taking rose cuttings and putting them into rooting gel and wondered if I could take cuttings from my horse chestnut as well. Can this be done?

Answer 1

You may have some luck with semi-hardwood cuttings, which will be more feasible from an older tree, rather than a younger seedling.   It's also potentially detrimental to take off cuttings from younger trees too, whilst they are defining their shape etc.

Remove pieces around 10-12'' long,  around early August, where there is some thickening of the growth,  and taking it off with a heel of 'bark' may also help.  Plant into well draining soil, enriched with some rotted compost and grit,  submerging half to two thirds of it's length.  Remove any leaves from the lower portion.  Keep in a light though generally shady place, to avoid stress from full sun.  Ensure it's growing medium is kept moist, though not saturated, otherwise it could cause some rot.  Keeping some garden fleece over it could also help, as this will allow water to pentrate,  and also keep the environment a little more humid and warmer.   Use a rooting gel, as with your rose cuttings, to give you the best chance of success.   Seeds are generally your best method of propagation,  and the success rate is really high - the other method is meristem tissue culture, which is out of the reach of most of us (it's the same method use to cultivate a high proportion of plants, including Orchids etc).

If you take a large number of cuttings you will increase your potential strike rate.   Keep them sheltered over winter, and look for signs of growth the following spring time,  as these are deciduous trees.  

Hope this helps.  Good luck!  Rob