Common beeches are grown from beechnuts. In a favorable location, huge trees grow from them that can live up to 150 or even 300 years. What you should consider when planting.
How can beechnuts be planted successfully?
Beechnut planting: Collect ripe fruits in September, prepare a growing bed in the garden with loose, moderately nutrient-rich soil and sow the beechnuts in it. Make sure there is a planting distance of at least one meter and protect young plants from the cold in winter.
Where do beech trees grow best?
Beech trees grow easily in almost any location. They even thrive in shaded areas.
What should the soil be like?
Beech trees tolerate neither dry soil nor waterlogging. A loose soil that is moderately nutrient-rich is sufficient for the tree.
The best way to create a forest floor climate is to collect beech leaves and spruce needles and add them to the garden soil in chopped pieces.
When is the best time to plant?
Like all trees, beech trees are planted in autumn. Then the risk of the seedlings drying out is lowest. However, young plants need light winter protection if temperatures drop too much.
What planting distance should be maintained?
Small beech trees should have at least one meter of space between other plants so that they can develop well. Later, the planting distance no longer plays a role.
How are beech trees planted?
Dig a planting hole large enough to accommodate all the roots. Plant the beech trees so deeply that the roots are well covered. Sprinkle a layer of forest soil or leaf mold under the tree.
In windy locations it can be helpful if you tie the young beech to supporting pillars.
How are beech trees propagated?
Propagation takes place via the beechnuts. Collect the fruits in September and sow them in the growing bed in the garden.
When are beechnuts ready to harvest?
- Flowering time April / May
- Harvest time September
- Tree age at least 40 years
- Big yields only every seven years
Beechnuts only grow on trees older than 40 years. They are ready to harvest in September and can be collected. However, not all beechnuts contain edible seeds.
Beech trees produce very large harvests in one year. In the following five to seven years, however, they only develop a few beechnuts.
Tips & Tricks
Beechnuts are slightly poisonous because they contain fagin, hydrogen cyanide and oxalic acid. You should therefore not consume large quantities raw. Consumption can cause serious poisoning, especially for children and dogs.
