- In which location do beeches grow best?
- What should the soil be like?
- When is the best planting time?
- What planting distance must be observed?
- How are beeches planted?
- How are beeches propagated?
- When are beechnuts ready to harvest?
- tips and tricks
Red beeches are grown from beechnuts. In a favorable location, they grow huge trees that can live up to 150 or even 300 years. What to consider when planting.
In which location do beeches grow best?
Beeches grow easily in almost any location. They even thrive in shady locations.
What should the soil be like?
Beeches 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 soil climate is to collect beech leaves and spruce needles and add them to the garden soil.
When is the best planting time?
Like all trees, beech trees are planted in the fall. Then the risk of the seedlings drying out is minimal. However, young plants need a light winter protection when temperatures drop too much.
What planting distance must be observed?
Small beeches should have at least a meter of space to other plants so that they can develop well. Later, the planting distance no longer plays a role.
How are beeches planted?
Dig a planting hole large enough to accommodate all of the roots. Plant the beech deep enough that the root system is well covered. Sprinkle a layer of forest soil or leaf compost under the tree.
In windy locations it can be helpful if you tie the young beech to pillars.
How are beeches propagated?
Propagation takes place via the beechnuts. Collect the fruits in September and sow them in the nursery bed in the garden.
When are beechnuts ready to harvest?
- Flowering April / May
- Harvest time September
- Tree age at least 40 years
- Large 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.
Beeches produce very large harvests in one year. In the five to seven years that follow, on the other hand, they only develop a few beechnuts.
tips and tricks
Beechnuts are slightly toxic because they contain fagin, hydrocyanic acid and oxalic acid. You should therefore not consume large quantities raw. Consumption can cause serious poisoning, especially for children and dogs.