To plant acorns and grow oak trees, follow these steps:
- Collect Acorns
Gather acorns in autumn (mid-September to December). Choose healthy, ripe acorns that are brown or green with no holes or insect damage. Discard any that float in water, as viable acorns sink
- Prepare Containers and Soil
Use pots or containers with drainage holes, at least 15 cm deep. Fill them with good-quality, peat-free potting compost or a mix of potting soil and garden soil. Adding sand or small stones at the bottom improves drainage
- Plant the Acorns
Plant acorns about 1-3 cm deep, placing them sideways or with the pointed end slightly downward. Cover them with soil or compost so they are well buried but not too deep. Usually, one or two acorns per pot is ideal
- Provide Proper Conditions
Place the pots outdoors in a cool, sheltered spot where they can receive indirect sunlight and rainwater. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Covering pots with plastic bags initially can help retain moisture until seedlings emerge, but remove the cover once shoots appear
- Protect Seedlings
Use mesh or hardware cloth to protect young seedlings from animals like birds or rodents. Thin seedlings by cutting the weaker one if two germinate in the same pot, leaving the stronger seedling to grow
- Transplanting
When seedlings reach about 25 cm (10 inches) tall or the roots fill the pot, transplant them into larger pots with a mix of potting and garden soil and some slow-release fertilizer. After one or two years, plant the young oak trees in their permanent outdoor location, digging a hole about three times the pot diameter and mulching around the base
- Long-term Care
Water the young trees regularly during dry periods and protect them from pests. Oak trees grow slowly and may take several years to become established and mature
This method helps ensure healthy oak seedlings and increases the chances of successful growth from acorns
