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Ever wondered how to grow an oak tree from an acorn?
It’s easier than you think. With the right steps, you can turn a tiny acorn into a mighty oak.
Here are 7 simple tactics to get started. Excited to learn more?
Let’s dive in!
Find a Healthy Acorn
First things first, you need a solid acorn. Look for one that’s brown, free from cracks, and still has its little cap intact.
Avoid the green ones or any with signs of mold or damage. The best time to snag a good acorn is in the fall, usually between September and November, depending on where you live.
Do the Float Test
You don’t want to waste time planting dud acorns, right? Fill a bowl with water and drop your acorns in.
The floaters are no-gos; toss them out. The ones that sink to the bottom?
Keep those—these are your future oak trees.
Stratify the Acorns
Acorns need a little chill time before they’re ready to grow. Place your good acorns in a plastic bag with some damp peat moss or a paper towel.
Pop the bag in the fridge (not the freezer!) for about 30-60 days. This tricks the acorns into thinking it’s winter, prepping them for germination.
Plant the Acorns
After their fridge time, it’s planting season! Grab some pots with drainage holes and fill them with quality potting soil.
Plant each acorn about 1-2 inches deep, pointed end down. Give them a good watering, but don’t drown them.
Give Them Some Light
Oak trees love sunlight, so make sure your acorns get plenty of it. If you’re starting them indoors, place the pots near a sunny window.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and watch for tiny sprouts to pop up in a few weeks.
Transplant to a Permanent Spot
Once your oak seedlings have grown a bit and weather is warm, it’s time to move them outside. Pick a spot with plenty of space since oaks grow big and need room for their roots.
Dig a hole a bit larger than the pot, gently remove the seedling, and place it in the hole. Fill it in with soil, and water well.
Care for Your Growing Tree
Congrats, you’re now an oak tree parent! Water your young tree regularly, especially in dry periods.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Give it plenty of love and sunshine, and before you know it, you’ll have a mighty oak!