How to Collect and Store Acorns to Grow Oak Trees

Here is the video of me planting the Live Oak Acorns • Grow Live Oak Trees Fr...
I show my method of collecting and storing acorns to grow oak trees. In this Video I have Live Oak acorns and Shumard Red Oak acorns, but this method of collecting and storing acorns will work for any kind of White or Red Oak trees. If you want to grow a healthy oak tree, you need to start with a good viable acorn. I will show you how to tell if your acorns are good and how to properly store them, also called stratification.
Here is a follow up on removing the huge caps off of Bur Oaks • How To Remove Caps Fro...
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[@pamelapeterson2987]

Can you please give an update on the success of germination of the green acorns you collected compared to the brown acorns you collected. I don't see an update in any of your videos on that. Thanks!!

[@pamelapeterson2987]

Just collected a bunch of Q. agrifolia and Q. lobata acorns to use in a restoration project here in CA. This video is very helpful. I'd never heard of the "sink test" before. I've heard of soaking them in a weak bleach solution prior to storing in the fridge but sounds like you've had great success without that step. That's very helpful info. Here in CA, we will plant them this winter to take advantage of winter rain as freezing is generally not an issue in our area.

[@ameliaroberts298]

Shalom🌿, a hint about the seeds with the worm holes, "if you enjoy fishing" drop those seeds in a 5 gallon bucket with a few inches of sand, and you can grow your own fish bait, I read about this and thought I'd share. Thank you for the great videos they are so helpful, keep growing 🌿.

[@racketrick]

Now the second fall since Snowmageddon in central Texas, our Bur Oaks have produce WAY MORE acorns than ever(some trees even suffered from 'sudden limb droop/drop', partially owing to the extra weight of the 2,3,4x number of acorns on each branch). I've collected just a few and look forward to planting them in the spring. We shall see. Thanks for the tips!!!

[@wparsa]

Thank you so much, I now have 22 acorns, all sink and are healthy, ready to plant them. Last month, I tried walnuts too which now are about 1 ft tall.

[@hirashamsi7323]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Really helpful 🙏 I love these oak trees and I am trying to grow on my property.

[@GrowNewPlants]

Thanks, They are great trees, Good Luck!

[@xavierquintana2734]

Just collect roughly 100 acorns from the live oak trees at work! I hope I can get them to germinate so I can plant them in the spring!

[@fjb4932]

"...i'll never reallly know till i try . . ." Truer words were never spoken. Don't wonder, do and find out ! ☆

[@Bricky-gs3lp]

Where do the worms in the acorn come from? Are they in the acorn on the tree or do they enter once the acorn falls from the tree and is on the ground? I would believe that soaking the acorns for a longer period would drive the worms out of the acorns. That would give you worm free seed. Has anyone tried soaking the acorns in alcohol or mouth wash to kill the worms or does that also kill the acorn? I can have the acorns in a plastic bag or a Tupper ware container and let it sit in the sun for a couple of hours and the worms do not like the heat and will vacate the acorns. Like the comments and the maker say if you put an acorn with a worm in a container the worm will get into a lot of the other acorns. I have just planted well over a hundred white oak acorns here in Southern Illinois. I did some last year, but you must protect from the squirrels and other rodents as they will eat the acorns. I place my acorns in Styrofoam cups with the bottom cut out in a raised bed of peat moss and planting mix. The tap roots grow all winter so as the maker of the video says in the spring when the acorns sprout you need to replant into a larger container. Some sources say use a container at least twelve inches deep as the tap roots are long. I had some come up this year and I left them in the original container until October and it was hard to get the tap root out as it had grown exceptionally long. Plants still seem to be doing OK in a larger container. The Styrofoam cups keep the roots from intermingling making it easier to transplant. As stated, these are all white oak acorns as they will sprout without stratification this fall and begin the growth of the tap root. I have placed some of the acorns in a container with damp paper towels to see if they will sprout now and then I will know they are viable and can transplant into the growing bed. This way you would know that you are planting a healthy acorn ready to grow. All information helpful and appreciated.

[@2TMON]

The worm is an acorn weevil larvae. Acorn weevils will plant their eggs in acorn buds in early spring and when the acorn falls from the tree, they vacate the acorn and bury themselves in the ground and emerge in a couple of years as a weevil to repeat the process. Look up Doug Tallamy "Nature of Oaks" on KZbin and watch his presentation. He's an entomologist (studies insects) and has a lot of great information on the relationship between oaks (particularly White oaks) and insects. Fascinating stuff. I'm trying to grow some white oaks from acorn this year. I'm in Southern Illinois as well

[@DCShaneTours]

I stored mine in the refrigerator over the winter, have just pulled them out since it is spring. I'm going to put them in water, put them on my warm radiator, and they should sprout.

[@Mustang5point0]

How did the green acorns turn out?

[@user-ho4nw5sf3w]

My planting secret and success is squirrels. Did you know that a squirrel can run at seventeen miles an hour,and that's with no shoes. I have found that when using squirrels to plant acorns it is best to do it from a porch, some distance way so as not to distract the little fellow while he works. It will probably be autumn so a warm jacket and a warming beverage will be welcoming. So kick back folks and enjoy the planting season.

[@shakira1784]

With such a great video I don't need to make one of my own. Thanks so much!

[@ItsMe-gv2ug]

Excellent video. I didn't know about that sink or swim trick...nice!

[@arminiuszmazowszanin2670]

Sometimes those with holes and fungus they sprout as well - you never know for sure - i've had many acorns with holes and fungus and they end up sprouting into trees. Also i wouldn't recommend keeping those acorns in those plastic bags be cause they may mold. Another thing what i have noticed is when you pick them up from ground you must plant them as quick as you can be cause they have tendencies to dry up inside and then they're useless.

[@cindythompsonthecottagegarden]

Thanks so much!!! Going to "float" mine now!

[@lynnrogers3628]

Thanks for the info. You are a master of never ending repetition.

[@houstonshomestead5882]

Im starting 24 live oaks from seed. I miss having them (im from florida). We are in tennessee now. Hoping they can handle our weather in Pikeville. I've already got 40 white pines to set out. This is the year of planting trees on the farm!

[@jaberosier9853]

I've just started a bunch of acorns if you ever want more I can send some your way!

[@fjb4932]

You're doing good. The only difference i do is to dump my acorns into a bucket of water, discard those that float, a slight stir a couple times during the next 24 hrs before bagging the good ones. I feel this will kill any worms that may have slipped by. I put mine into the Ziplock bags still wet from the soak as well ...

[@GrowNewPlants]

Yes I would probably do the same if I had a lot of them, Do you think the water kills the worms!

[@fjb4932]

@@GrowNewPlants I do ! Almost as importantly, i believe it gives them hope in the form of water of a future. We needn't over think this. Mother Nature has been doing just fine without us for 10,000 years. Soil, water, warmth, sunlight, all equal a mighty oak.

[@khiathompson33]

Really great info! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@lornabartlett2744]

Thank you,Yes, best chances are to get them off the 🌳. English Oaks beautiful green healthy robust seeds for next year 2022.

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

Thank You For Helping Keep The Planet Alive and Healthy. #PlantMoreTrees Oh Wow it's a Real #

[@williamjones5095]

Thank you for all this information!!!

[@GrowNewPlants]

You are so welcome!

[@arminiuszmazowszanin2670]

I'm from Poland - and i love oak trees and i collect every september-october acorns and i plant them in pots and in the backyard. Unfortunately we have only 2 native kind (quercus robur and quercus petraea) of oaks here. I see in america you have more varieties which is nice. We have in my town also couple of non native red oak (quercus rubra) which is native eastern north american and have been transported from US probably long time ago. I would like to plant white oak (quercus alba) in Poland but this is american oak exclusively. Burr oak (quercus macrocarpa) also would be nice. I dont know if they could survive our winter - i know red oak can.

[@paull2937]

White oaks and burr oaks can grow as far north in Minnesota in the US. Even though Poland is farther north, winter definitely won’t be too cold for them since Minnesota winters are harsher than in Poland despite their latitudes.

[@richardrosario9668]

The larvae are so cute

[@4jesus1981]

Excellent video sir!

[@suzannehartnell8111]

Amazing and helpful. Thank you

[@GrowNewPlants]

You're very welcome!

[@suburbanmicrogreens8078]

That's crazy that those worms get in the acorns while still in the tree!

[@GrowNewPlants]

I know, you would expect it on the ground but not in tree

[@bluenadas]

Those holes are from the larva of the acorn weevils. The eggs are deposited when the acorn is developing and the hole the adult creates gets sealed as the acorn grows. Once the larva is grown it burrows out of the acorn making the hole you see. They typically hope they do this once the acorn is on the ground but it can emerge before the acorn falls. They finish development in the soil before emerging as adults in the spring. This is also why you might have originally found all of those acorns to be hole free. Only to discover additional acorns with holes because the larva are still emerging.

[@offgrid4peace]

Thank you

[@altofarmland2855]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!, how did things work out with the green acorns? I’m thinking about collecting green ones from the trees. Thank you!

[@paull2937]

I heard that a sprouted acorn will die if it freezes. Then how does it survive in the wild during winter, before it becomes a tree the next spring? A squirrel would have to bury the acorn at least a foot underground (I’m not sure, maybe even 2-3 feet) to prevent it from freezing.

[@fjb4932]

I'm not so sure about freezing / kills. When i first started out, i filled a bucket with water, poured in a bunch of acorns and put them in the shed. This is in Montana. Water in bucket froze. Come Spring about 80% were sprouting. ☆

[@sethreichenau4675]

Awesome info, thank you! I'm in Austin, have you timed when the different trees drop their acorns and pecans? I think I missed the live oak acorns this year but I grabbed a ton of pecans, bur oak, red oak and blackjack oak acorns. Thank you for your videos, I'm going to be storing them over winter and planting in the spring using your advice

[@sethreichenau4675]

I also meant to ask: I collected a ton of bur oak acorns and they all have the hat still on them. Is there a secret way you remove the hat from your bur oak acorns? They are on there pretty tight and i don't want to bust out the hammer and risk breaking the acorn.

[@GrowNewPlants]

No, I just watch them early fall and see when they are ready, I have noticed in a large park with a lot of pecans, some trees were ready 2 to 3 weeks from others in the same park. Good Luck

[@GrowNewPlants]

LOL they are a lot of work, soak them in a bucket to soften them a little, I take a thick knife like a hunting knife and slit up one one side and them grab the hat with a pair of pliers and then pull it off.

[@sethreichenau4675]

@@GrowNewPlants Awesome, I am going to try that! Thanks again for all of your help -Seth

[@GrowNewPlants]

@@sethreichenau4675 I made a video just for you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYqlfpetobqAaLs

[@dunntanktrucks]

I'm waiting to see if the green ones will sprout.

[@GrowNewPlants]

Me too, I Think they will do fine, we will find out in the spring!

[@diesel1223]

@@GrowNewPlants did they sprout?

[@jayscore7182]

Will you be posting what live oak saplings look like?

[@GrowNewPlants]

Yes I will, I planted them over a week ago, when they come up I will do a follow up video!

[@paull2937]

Can I see an update?

[@williamjones5095]

Here in Ga I got some back at the end of October. They have been in the fridge for a few weeks and some are sprouting. Will it hurt to plant them this soon?

[@GrowNewPlants]

If they are sprouting they really need to be planted, but you will have to protect them from freezing through the winter, Ideally its better they dont sprout until spring after you put them in dirt, Just make sure you plant the root down.

[@arifurmollah4386]

I have a question for you, where can I store Oak acorns before germination? Where can I store it at? What seed storage temperature is the best for storing acorns before germination? Which temperature of acorn storage is the best? At which temperature? I cannot store acorns in hot temperatures because the acorns will begin to decompose (rot) and die. Storing acorns in hot temperatures will actually kill all of the acorns. Please give me an answer of where to store acorns before germination. Please tell me.

[@MikeMurphyinc]

At what point is the sprout no longer appealing to squirrels? I planted some and the squirrels dug them up.

[@krokus6909]

My acorns float tested well. I put them in a slightly damp bag just like your video showed. Some are molding inside the bag. What do I do?

[@ananda_krishnan_r]

Is it possible to grow oak tree at a temperature of 20-30 degree Celsius

[@newatthis50]

As long as it doesn't stay that cold for very long. Many varieties will stand a 2 week cold snap. Haven't had any experience with prolonged cold.

[@joshtgardner84]

I have planted some live oak acorns now rather than waiting until the spring. Will they live through the winter after sprouting?

[@GrowNewPlants]

They will, but they need to be somewhat protected to keep the tender roots from freezing

[@minim3rka]

Why spring? Can you like start to germinate them earlier also?

[@liaogarden5631]

What temperature do you plant and how long does it take to germinate?

[@johnndavis7647]

What species of oak tree has the biggest acorns?

[@leslietinyhousebuilderwann3851]

Can you tell me where you get burr acorns? I live in Plano.

[@atruceforbruce5388]

anyone knows if after testing them in water and after drying, vacuum sealing them make them last longer before planting?

[@raphlvlogs271]

when is the best season for harvesting oak seeds?

[@GrowNewPlants]

In the fall, as soon as the nuts start turning brown in color, I prefer to knock them off the tree before they get on ground, bugs will get in them quickly on the ground

[@winolowardichelli2850]

Green ones. What do i do with them

[@andyreid7274]

Are these white, red, or pin oak acorns?

[@GrowNewPlants]

The smaller ones in the big bags are Live oaks which are in the white oak family, the light brown ones I only had a few of so far are shumard red oak, I treat them all the same though

[@andyreid7274]

@@GrowNewPlants I have had good luck float testing them and refrigerating them over winter. I get more than half to germinate. Keep up the quality content on both channels man. I've learned a lot from you.

[@GrowNewPlants]

Thanks Andy!

[@robertgoffinett5852]

I hope someone can help I have a large chinkapin oak that is now dropping it's green leaves with it's small attached twigs. We live in central Indiana and are experiencing a drought of some proportion. Might this be the reason the leaves are falling so soon The date is 9 Oct. Thanks greatly!!🌳

[@iPheek]

Is it time to pull them out and plant them? Haha

[@GrowNewPlants]

Not yet but it is getting close, they need temps over 70 degrees or so to germinate

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

No Holes, and No Fungi, Got it.

[@aspookyfox]

I lost all my beautiful acorns to fungus.

[@GrowNewPlants]

I had that happen to most of my live oaks last Year :(

[@jcjensenllc]

Not much useful info. This video made one point that could have been made in 10 seconds => float bad, sink good, no holes good, holes bad.