How To Start The Horse Chestnut And Oak From Scratch

Question

I couldn’t find anywhere if you remove the skin from the chestnut and the shell from the acorn before you plant them. Do you soak them in water before removing the nut? The chestnut is sort of round with a white side and no point that’s why I think it’s a horse nut. The acorn is about a inch long light tan in color with a prominent point on it, not sure if it’s a bur or Garry acorn. If there is a better link let me know. 

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Answer 1

In the case of the horse chestnuts, you do remove them from the "conker." They need a cold stratification period to germinate. You can store them in the refrigerator for two to three months or outside. Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/horse-chestnut/planting-horse-chestnut-seeds.htm

https://ecosystems.psu.edu/research/chestnut/breeding/planting/planting-manual.pdf

Here is information on growing an oak tree. To really identify the acorn, the cap is needed. It could be a white oak. Bur oak acorns are larger than these pictured. White oaks can be planted right away but red oaks need the cold stratification. Also, soak them in water overnight. If any float to the top, they are not good and can be discarded.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/oak/how-to-grow-an-oak-tree.htm