Though it may seem intimidating, growing a new tree from an acorn is possible.
Read on to discover the best methods for collecting and how to plant acorns.
How to Collect
Only collect acorns that have fallen from the tree; these acorns are mature.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Skip the first ones that drop, as they are often of poor quality.
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.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Getting Started
Use standard commercial potting mix based on peat moss.
All acorns should be planted in the fall as soon as possible after collection.
White oak and swamp oak will germinate soon after planting.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
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.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Plant the Acorns
To plant the acorns, use pots deep enough for root growth.
2.5 x 3.5-inch pots are ideal.
Fill the pots withpotting mix.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Water them well until water runs out of the drainage holes.
Keep the seedlings weed- and pest-free.
After planting the acorns, cover the pots with a screen or hardware cloth.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Once the seedlings emerge, lift up the protection as needed to give the seedlings room to grow.
Dig a hole about three times the diameter of the container and at the same depth.
Tender oak saplings are a favorite food for browsing deer and other wildlife.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
ensure to protect the tree with a mesh tree guard for at least three years.
Yes, it’s possible for you to.
Neither, acorns are planted sideways.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
The primary root will emerge from the pointy end and grow downwards.
No, though it depends on the specific tree species, acorns should not be fully frozen before planting.
Managing Harwood Stands for Acorn Production.Mississippi State University Extension.
