🫘 Quercus Acorn Planting
Update: March 31, 2024
Some in small grow bags
Some still under chicken-wire, defending against squirrels
TheSpruce.com
Collect at least twice as many acorns as the number of seedlings you want because not all of them will germinate. Discard acorns that still have the caps attached, that have holes or are otherwise damaged, or show signs of mold or rot.
Plant the acorns right away; if that’s not possible, you can store them for a few days. Spray them with water to prevent them from drying out and place them in a ventilated plastic bag. Store the bag in a cool place and keep the acorns moist but not wet.
All acorns should be planted in the fall as soon as possible after collection. White oak and swamp oak will germinate soon after planting. For bur oak, pin oak, and red oak, you won’t see germination until the next spring because these oak species need stratification, which is provided by leaving the pots outdoors during the winter.
Select Viable Acorns
Fill a bowl with cold water and place the acorns in it. Viable acorns will sink or remain at the bottom and damaged or empty ones will float. Discard the floating acorns. Briefly soaking the acorns also helps rehydrate them if you stored them before planting.
Place two acorns sideways in each pot, at a depth about three times the width of the acorn, or about one inch. Water them well until water runs out of the drainage holes.