I've put my conkers in for stratification.. How do you do yours?
 

https://i.imgur.com/wPEai4g.jpg

In order for the conker to sprout, (as above) it requires cold stratification...

https://i.imgur.com/9NuGMdh.jpg

Above you can see this years crop, I prepared for stratification today. Both tubs have lids (not shown) one has holes and will be put on tightly. The other has no holes and will simply rest across the top. The bag is a Sealy ziplock which also contains conkers for stratification.

Potting compost has been added to increase the likelihood of germination, along with some of my poo for both fertilization properties, (and also because its fun to play with) and all the conkers have passed the water test - You place them in a bucket of water and only use the good ones that sink - if they float, they are no good... Kinda like the Salem witch trials...

How are you preparing yours for this years stratification process?

Are conkers chestnuts? And do you eat them?

Nope. Conkers are 'Horse Chestnuts' - They contain a chemical (Aesculin) that will make you very poorly, but its not fatal. However you certainly wouldn't want to eat them

The ones you eat are just 'Chestnuts' - A different strain of the same kinda thing.

These ones are for replanting and ultimately selling as viable trees. Although nature would have you believe that conkers simply fall from the tree, grow, and create another tree. that really doesn't happen. It takes a relatively long and somewhat complicated process (including cold stratification) in order to have the seeds germinate.

The process is not exactly difficult to do, however requires time and patience without any guarantees it will be successful...

I have about 50 out there in total that passed the water test. Aside from occasional attention, I won't really know until around May if they have germinated. If I get say 15 germiations out of the 50, I shall consider it a success. :)

@Klen - Can we poosibly get a gardening / horticultural section created on GFY?

I'm sure it would be a roaring success and revitalise the board... :2 cents:

:1orglaugh :1orglaugh . . .

Extreme HARDCORE Stratification!!!
 

https://i.imgur.com/hbOGhNV.jpg

Just TWO solitary conkers, sealed in airtight container, with nothing but wet kitchen towels, plus a smear or two of poo, locked in the fridge to be untouched by human hands for exactly 4 weeks...

Will report back in 4 weeks on poogress... :thumbsup

Soak em in vinegar and then FIGHT!!! :upsidedow :winkwink:

Update!
 

update!!!

https://i.imgur.com/XmkvzK9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/F9BHrB9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WY6Ek5e.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/wEoM5Ni.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/hdBSal4.jpg

Planting out next week - Will update thread when it goes into the ground :)

EDIT: I really think my human poo helped it to grow... :2 cents:

So sheer curiosity more than anything... How much do these 2-3ft trees sell for or, do you sell them when larger?

At the moment, as saplings that are about 8 months (less than a year old) perhaps £5 / £7 each, but this time next year, when fully established nearer to £60 each.

You can see online if you search for 'Conker Trees For Sale' - ATM, most are on ebay, from last years conkers (like Mine) at 3 for £15 price point.

It's not really about the potential money though - More about the fun in raising them. Although I showed you the most 'impressive' one, I actually germinated about 15 of them.

Some have gone to neighbours and pals for free, and I might give some more away at the Queens' Platinum Jubilee next month, when 'Planting a Tree' is encouraged as an 'Official Activity'

The one in the pic though is being kept, so my Granddaughter, (Just turned 6) can watch it grow :thumbsup

That is not a bad idea. ALOT of people started growing shit. I have five 2x1 meter planters in my yard, with Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, tomatos, onions, lovage, and some other shit I don't remember.

https://i.imgur.com/CLIqlGz.jpg

My baby's out in the wild, having to fend for herself... *sob* *sniff*

They just grow up soooo fast... :(