@@hengkyl1106 Collecting them right now (Oct) from under mature white oak trees is one way. However, here in south Alabama, the deer and squirrels get the acorns "on first bounce" in the woods. You can also find acorns on line at Etsy, etc. or from tree seed nurseries such as F.W. Schumacher Co, for example. Viability may be suspect from some individual sources, so try to get acorns delivered quickly from trusted sources as white oak acorns have a limited sprout time window.
Very informative. I enjoy your videos talking about native American species. I live in the UK and wish there was a content creator as high quality as you for my country.
Thank you Blue. I really appreciate you words there, as I try to make my videos as informative as possible, but visually pleasing too. Although my info was for this specific Native American species, I believe that all the information regarding germination of White Oak species would apply to any native Oaks in UK that were of the White Oak family.
the blowdown branches make great firewood too. We would cut the most damaged ones in our windbreaks/ wildlife trails and take to a neighbor that had a sawmill. Most of them were large engough that the branches gave us firewood for the year. We always put several acorns in the ground around where the old tree grew.
wished I would have seen this video when I first moved to my house 15 years ago, the trees would be about 15' tall by now. I still might try to grow a couple, thanks for the video.
Very happy to see this video I was always told that the reason white oak are not found in landscape nurseries is because of the huge tap root. A one inch tall white oak can have a twelve inch tap root and it makes commercial propagation difficult and expensive . I hope this video motivates people to propagate this beautiful and resilient tree
Thank you Barney. Sorry for not responding earlier. For some reason UA-cam flagged this comment for 'potentially inappropriate'. I need to check those more often!
Don't go to a nursery anyway. Always grow your trees from seed unless you just want a specific cultivar. An oak grown from acorn will catch up on a 5 year old and maybe a 10 year old oak in tree time. Nothing is better than letting nature do it's thing rather than buying a tree that has been neglected, had the taproot and critical root zone decimated for potting, left in that pot till it is rootbound, taken out of that pot, planted (probably improperly deep), and then spending the next 5 - 10 years establishing it's root system again in a new location and probably new soil composition. Planting an acorn in it's forever home from day one will catch and surpass that tree with ease after 5-10 years. And have a much healthier, completely undisturbed root system to boot.
Thank you so much for putting out great informative content. I planted ten swamp white oaks from the conservation dept here in MO about 5 years ago on our property. Silly me didn't mark them and just planted them. (I had planted 85 seedlings that day so I think I just forgot lol). Anyways I was walking around the property a few weeks ago and I seen one of the oaks I planted! It was about 5ft tall and such a beautiful vibrant red color! I was so happy!! It's just a gorgeous tree and has such majestic mighty magic to it. It was a great feeling seeing it. Thanks for this info and info on the tall tree pots!
I went to a beautiful outdoor wedding last month, and was amazed at the huge white oak acorns. I picked up several, and here I am. We have pin oaks, so I’d love to get some of these to sprout and plant.
Thanks for this video. I bought a lake property years ago and have been collecting the acorns for 3 years now and planting them. I probably get 1000s of acorns... and even after floating them.. my yields are not very high... but... I think I am drying them out in fridge over the winter now that I watch your video. I probably have 150-200 in their 2nd year in raised beds I am hoping to transplant this summer if they made it thru the winter for the 2nd time. It's just fun... :)
Your video is amazing❤❤ I’m new to planting and I followed what you said and collected some white oak seeds … from my college and followed your steps and right now I have it in a pot and it’s 2inches tall!! I turned on my grow light so that it grows in my house (only for now) because my area has a lot of deers and bunnies.. etc. 😊I’m excited for it to grow a leaf!!
Thanks for sharing, as a wannabe tree planter, I have one pledge, it may be in the link You refer to, but one thing that I would like to know more about, in terms ogetting out planting trees, is what kind of soil to plant the different seeds in, and how to add or subtract acidity etc....
Hi Bjarke - I don't worry about starting seeds in regards to pH, as most potting soils are neutral and work fine for most trees (even acid loving ones). But for final location, it is incredibly hard to change the pH. To acidify you will have to add Sulphur or something similar every year, or every other year. It is something you will need to maintain.
Fantastic video! I'm a relatively new tree enthusiast if that is a thing one could be. I've started growing some acorns I collected from a local park. Finally have a couple rising out of the soil! I have several trees in the backyard I use for bonsai but may be able to convince my dad to grow a white oak in his yard this spring, or maybe a burr oak. He wasn't too keen on the idea of a dawn redwood. Perhaps when I'm no longer renting I could have a backyard forest!
Yes, protect for a long time too. I just lost an oak, 5-7 years old to deer this winter from the yearly "deer rub". completely girdled the bark...darn. I took the protective tube off last fall & forgot to reinstall it.
I have been trying to grow white oaks for YEARS!! This year, I finally found your video, and followed your directions and I have about 10 nice size seedlings, which I keep indoors, in southern sun (I put several sprouting acorns in one large container) My question is, at what point do I separate them into their own individual pots? Most of the seedlings are about 3-4" tall and 2-3 leaves each
Excellent. I’ve been trying to find a detailed instruction video as I want to give this a try. I was specifically finding it difficult to understand WHEN to actually put them in dirt. I think I likely let too many dry out, thinking to keep them until next spring. Thanks
This spring I bought a little one-foot tall white oak at a nursery, and they gave me a second one free because of the chance that one might not survive. I immediately planted one but kept the second in a pot to plant in the fall. Something broke the tiny branches and leaves off the one in the ground (maybe rabbits or deer?). It was just a stick in the ground and I figured it would die but I didn’t dig it up. To my surprise it leafed out again and looks healthy. I guess I should buy a cage for it as you suggested in the video. The tree in the pot is doing okay but actually doesn’t seem as healthy as the one in the ground. I’m not sure what I’ll do with the one in the pot. My yard doesn’t have room for two oaks that will eventually get huge.
Hi - I would definitely cage the tree in some manner. I've had damage from all the animals I listed out. As an idea for your other tree in a pot, perhaps you could offer it for free on Facebook. I'm sure there is someone who would be interested it. If you aren't on Facebook, then at work, neighbors, or even Church if you attend. People like free stuff, and definitely free trees!
@@growitbuildit here in Canada we use the barrels for our Canadian Whisky too! The white oak barrel is increasingly being accepted by wine makers. They are important for barrel aged rums also! I love the wonderful vanilla impact from American 🇺🇸 oak!
Why do we put them in the refrigerator? I thought white oak acorns didn't need cold stratification? Also to combat the growth of fungus have you tried cinnamon powder or ground cinnamon? It apparently has natural fungicide and antibacterial properties. I'm using it with the white oak acorns I'm trying to germinate. I pretty much did what you did here except I just put them in a draw instead of the refrigerator. I started them three days ago, should check in on them everyday or every three days?
Hi Hunter - I would check them daily. When in room temperatures the root can grow surprisingly quickly. I like using the fridge because it will still germinate, but just much more slowly. I haven't done much with cinnamon, but will probably try it this year with some raspberries.
@@growitbuildit How long does it take them to germinate when I start trying to germinate them before I plant them? A few weeks? Should I wrap them up tighter with a damp paper towel so they have as much contact with moisture as possible?
As long as they are a humid environment or sitting on the moist towel it should be good. I can't say for certain how long, but would expect no more than a week or two
In early October, I started collecting lots of brown white oak acorns and then I stored these acorns inside the bag. In a very few days, I have seen that hundreds of white oak acorns were sprouting inside the bag without planting them. I wanted to keep the white oak acorns dormant but I am not sure how to keep these acorns dormant in the bag once I store them. I wanted to know which season I should plant White Oak acorns. I wanted to prevent White Oak acorns from sprouting too quickly, I wanted to prevent that.
The only way I know is to keep them dry (but don't dry them out), and then put them in a plastic bag in the fridge. You likely had a lot in the bag, and I am guessing they all gave off enough humidity to sprout.
Great video(s)! Have you ever tried clipping the tips of the taproot when up-potting to promote a more branches, fibrous root system? If so, how do they bounce back?
Thank you for your video. I had some viable acorns overwintering in gallon pots outdoors, but come spring they still haven't sprouted even though it's now quite warm down south where I live, and many volunteer oak seedlings are sprouting elsewhere in my yard. At what point do I give up waiting for a shoot?
I would give them a few more weeks. But you can always dig one up to check. I've done so...you just need to be careful. You may be pleasantly surprised with a root. It can take a bit for the stem to emerge. By the time you see a stem, you might have 9" or root below.
I planted some white oak acords in small 2" peat pots 10/1, on about 10/20 I started getting some sprouts, but I am getting two spouts on most pots where I only planted one acorn, so I am suspecting that tap root some how grew in the up direction because there was no room.
@@growitbuildit So I dissected a pot, and found there was a strong root still growing downward, but on several of my acorns I have multiple shoots coming up? Is multiple shoots normal?
@@ppumpkin3282 I have not seen that before. I wouldn't be too worried about it, but I would definitely suggest either planting that in a final location or into a much larger pot
I love your videos! Thank you for the awesome information! I collected a bunch of sprouted white oak acorns yesterday (they already have a tap root growing). I was thinking of planting the acorns in small but deep 9" tree pots and then burying these tree pots in soil to the top of the pots outside for the winter. Do you think this would prevent the roots from freezing? I live in the mountains of NC and winters can be pretty cold. Any help you can provide is appreciated as my wife wants no more plants growing inside our small home this winter!
Hi Russel - what you are describing, planting the pots, should keep them alive. You can also just leave them out in a garage or something too. Just try to keep the squirrels away. But a 9" depth should be good I think.
thanks for the video Joe...I have an oak tree in the woods strip at the edge of my yard. It now has massive vines growing on it. I read that you can sever the vines at the ground, but what happens to the vine when it dies? the vines go all the way up the tree...will it cause damage to the branches when the vine starts dying off?
Hi Eileen - you should try to identify the vine first. If it is Oriental Bittersweet, then you may need to sever the vine and spray it immediately with concentrated brush killer of some kind. As vines can often 'sprout up' all over the place. But in general, vines can often girdle trees. Also, the leaves of the vine can pick up wind and possibly help bring the tree or parts of it down. So, as a general rule, I remove vines on trees that I care about.
I've been using the tubes for the most part. Of course those are only 4' tall (the ones I buy). I may have to do this as I've got a number of trees to plant this Fall of various species. I do have some excess fencing for cages though...
I have another question, do all Oak Acorns needs Scarification in order to germinate? Do they need Scarification? Or no? Do acorns need to be scarified before germination? Do they need to be scarified? Or no? I need to know this because all acorns have a very hard seed shells. I need to know this.
Hi Brian - early Spring not long after they emerge. Just make sure they are protected from deer. And you should probably give it a good watering once per week the first year during hot Summer months.
I planted an acorn a month and a half ago. I’ve bought a Uv lamp to put on it since I can’t put it outside. It’s currently about 4 inches tall with like 4 leaves about an inch long. How often should I water it?
Hi Zach - if it is indoors and winter where your live, then there will be barely any heat demands on the tree. That means it won't use much water. I would just make sure the soil was moist by sticking my finger in there, or picking up the pot to make sure it had some weight to it, indicating that there is moisture in the soil. Also, if you are able to water from the bottom, that would probably be good too. Just put the pot w/ tree in a larger container with some water in it, and leave it for 20-30 minutes. The water will transfer to the soil with your tree via osmosis. You probably wouldn't need to do this more than once per week.
I like the intro and benefits section of the video! Since the seedlings germinate in the fall and would reveal leaves, do seedlings, left outside or in cold temps, keep their leaves throughout their first winter? Or would they be expected to lose their leaves shortly after then and regrow them in spring?
Hi Edward - it would be very rare for a seedling to actually put on top-growth in Fall, but should be possible. The primary focus in Fall is to make a taproot so the plant doesn't completely freeze. But if a seedling managed to put on leaves, it would lose them when the temperatures got cold and regrow them in Spring.
Can you use acorns that fell from a tree a couple months ago? I did the sink test and lots still sank to the bottom. But i assume theyve been on the ground/in the sun for 2ish months by now. Thanks!
Hello, I just removed my acorns from the Frig and placed them in cool water, there all floating are they all bad or should I wait 24 hours to see if they sink. I did have them in a sealed baggie over the winter. Hope you respond Thanks
i jsut harvested a bunch of white oak acorns the yard. some had already sent out tap roots, but also have the insect holes. are they worth trying to grow, or would it just be a lost cause?
Pretty much, except there is no need to pre-sprout them (they won't). Just plant in large pots, 1-2" deep, and keep them in the garage over the coldest parts of the winter. If they freeze, they will die. Also, don't let the pot totally dry out.
Hi there. I started 6 acorns last fall and they were doing well but recently the leaves began browning at the tips. Do you think it's overwatering? Will they bounce back? Thanks!
I'm surprised they have leaves at all Stef. But if the ends are crispy, then that usually means it is dry or sunburn. But if you know the soil is moist, then I would probably just try to get them in the sun or into the ground as soon as Spring arrives.
Hey Joe. I too live in zone 6 (sw Ohio to be exact). Collected white oak acorns today.. Water tested.. have my viables.. Now, I’d like to have them be just emerging around April-ish like in your video… does that mean I refrigerate naked acorns in zip-loc til about the Winter solstice..? I have 12” pots for them.. planned on placing them in a detached stone building on my father’s farm. Should they be okay there for the remaining winter as it can get very windy and brisk out there? Ultimately they’ll be planted lining the lane in the wide open field. Will they require any protection for the next winter aside from the sleeve? Thank you so much for the informative video. Been wanting to do this for years!
Hi Blaine - I would probably just plant them in the pots in Autumn once temperatures get a bit colder, or pre-sprout and plant as you see germination. As long as they don't completely dry out in the stone building it should be ok. They will emerge in Spring. Good luck!
Thinking about starting some indoors and planting them in the Spring--is it okay to start them now or should I wait closer to Spring? Also, would a heating pad be beneficial?
@@growitbuildit Got it the pot I'm using has four drainage holes in it so that should keep the soil from getting water-logged right? I have some clay pots with only one drainage hole though are those no good to use?
@@growitbuildit Gotcha, I feel the soil whenever it looks dry and water accordingly. I'm taking a different method to getting acorns to germinate before planting the process is pretty much the same as you showed, but instead of putting in the fridge I'm putting them in front of the window and feel if the soil is dry or not and add a LITTLE more water to keep it moist.
Hi - if your seed is viable, then you can absolutely germinate and plant. You don't need to wait long if you can manage to keep squirrels away and keep it watered.
I planted chestnut oaks in pots last year. This year only one sprouted. I was happy with that, but it isn't getting any bigger. It's been about 3 inches tall for 3 months or so. Why is it not growing?
Trees (and other plants) often match their size to the pots they are in. Also, as a first year plant most of it's energy should be going to roots, not top-growth. If you get it in the ground, you should start to notice more growth later this year or next.
@@growitbuildit It's been in the ground for about a week. Funny, but, the leaves are about the size of my pinkie nail, but look like fully formed leaves, just miniatures. I did the same thing with a tiny little maple seedling last year and it's 5 ft tall now. I guess I was expecting more than 3 inches by now. Lol. I'll wait and see and hope I don't step on it. Thanks. 🤔🌱
What soil mix did you use to pot up your trees. I have 3 large containers, 18-24” deep of burr oak seedlings (about 50 plants per container that are already 3 yrs old now). I’ve needed to divide them and plant them in their own containers for years. They have deep roots already, so what size of pots would you to transfer them to? As you can see I had great success with growing acorns, most coming from 1” tall trees that I got from the soil conservation service over 25 yrs ago.
Hi JLP - If you are trying to actually grow these in the landscape, you may want to consider just trying to plant them outside in another month or so, once the temperatures begin to cool. Otherwise for containers, they will need to have as much root depth available as they do now, and the larger the pot, the better. The thing with trees, they can survive in a container for a bit, but their roots are going to be bound up a bit in the pot. This can lead to damaged roots or sickly trees.
In the ground? Yes, so to speak. But it will have enough time to put it's root deep enough so that it doesn't completely freeze. For growing in pots, it is the same. But a container on the back deck may freeze solid in Dec-Feb, which can kill the acorn/tree completely.
Hi Jacob - I would probably mix it with topsoil 50/50 at the least. That way you would have some more structure. The tree is going to grow fast in full sun regardless if it is in compost or soil. The 'seed' has a ton of stored energy.
Very similar oak to european (quercus robur) one. I would love to plant white oak in my city but they arent growing here - we have some other northern american red oaks (quercus rubra) but not this one.
I’ve grown multiple tree species from seed: green ash, American and slippery elm, American chestnut (wild ones), black walnut, and pin oak. But for some reason I never have luck with any white oak species. The acorns always sprout, I plant them carefully, then they suddenly die. This is indoors too with homemade compost. No fungus present. Do you have any idea why that would happen?
That seems strange. Maybe repeat but leave them outside to winter after sprouting? Or just try with viable acorns, with no transplant after sprouting. I have had some oak species die after potting them up - I assume I was too rough with the roots.
I planted 3 random acorns last fall. 2 germinated. When I transplanted them in spring 1 of them died. In early September my last oak tree got eaten probably by a baby rabbit that fit through my fence, but then it grew back from its roots and it looks healthy as if nothing happened to it! This year I’m planting 2 white oak acorns (this time I paid attention which type of acorns I’m planting) and I’m still waiting for them to germinate from my pots. If every person in the world planted 3 trees like me, we would have 23.9 billion more trees. If every person planted 250 trees (1 tree every day for just 8 months 1 week), we could end global warming. Whoever sees my comment please do your part.
Nice work Paul - I'm glad you aren't getting discouraged from the animals eating them off. It happens to me periodically. I've found the tree shelters to be the most robust solution though.
@@hengkyl1106 To get acorns just go wherever you see oak trees in mid October (right about now) and look for acorns on the ground that aren’t damaged. Take the acorns and pit them in water and keep only the ones that sink. Keep the good acorns soaked in water part of the time to prevent them from drying and if a root sprouts, you’ll know it’s good and then you can plant the acorn.
@Paul L, I will, any way, I don't understand that picking up acorns, cones etc, fertilising and planting them, which is basically all for free, isn't going on on an union-wide scale, both in the EU and in the USA, if they did, they could probably spur something similar in the other large assemblies of states, Africa, South America and China, for instance.... However, as trees grow slow, they should do something similar with some fast growing and well shading (and carbon eating), like ferns, planting these everywhere could have an effect already this summer.... -And these can literally stand everywhere, whereas there's complications with trees, which need protection and certain soils to be successful, and no nearby cloaks....
when i transplanted 2 baby oaks into pots they both died, they seem to be very delicate. i was very careful when transplanting and the roots were mostly undisturbed
Thanks for the informative video. I have about 20 pots in my unheated garage (Wisconsin) with lots of swamp white acorns per pot. Hopefully they’ll have a good winter in there. My question is watering. As we’ve now experienced freezing temps (especially overnight) the soil seems to have gotten quite dry and hard. Hoping it’s not freezing to much. Anyway, looking for your advice on moisture/irrigation through winter.
Hi Richard - is it freezing inside your garage? Or were they freezing outside before you moved them inside? The key is that the entire pot shouldn't completely freeze, or at least not very long. For watering, if the pot feels light, then it is probably dry. But saturated pots that freeze will look dry, but still feel heavy.
@@growitbuildit They were potted in nice weather and put in the garage right away after an initial watering. The pots have not been watered since, as they remained nice and damp. The garage is attached to the house, but isn’t insulated. We had a cold snap at the end of last week and I noticed the soil getting a bit solid. Just wanted to make sure I’m not putting them on the wrong path ;)
You should be good then, Richard. Just don't let them actually freeze. I have a thermometer in my garage. It isn't necessary where I live, but I know it never freezes
Hi - you need to locate the tree, then start visiting it in Autumn, monitoring for when they start to drop. Collect them when they are naturally falling from the tree, which usually lasts a week or two.
I planted oaks at home from local coppice, all sprouts were cool but after several months got white areas on leaves like Microsphaera alphitoides. All died. Me bad or acorns were inadequate? ((
@@growitbuildit All indoors. I gave one to my mother to grow - died, too. Do they (ashes, oaks) need be outdoors or similar climate or they may be adaptive for apartment-only?
I can tell that all acorns require Scarification is because they have a very hard outer seed shells on them. I can easily tell this. I can tell this because I have been researching more about seed Scarification.
I would strongly recommend that you check some reference material. I've grown 5 different Oaks from acorns, and have never scarified a single nut, nor have I ever heard of anyone doing so.
The best is to find the trees and wait until Fall. But I'm sure someone out there is selling them. Just google it, and make sure they've stored them sealed in the fridge so they are still viable.
Hi David - they should probably be brown. Or at least naturally falling from the tree. Several years ago I found a lot of acorns, green acorns on the ground. I gathered them up and planted them....and nothing happened. Those green acorns I gathered fell to the ground because of strong storms, but they were not mature enough to sprout. If you picked the acorns from the tree, and they are not naturally falling, then they may not be viable. You can try to sprout them, and if they do, then you are good to go. Otherwise return to the tree and gather more once they start falling naturally.
Looking up Post Oak, I found that it is scientifically known as Quercus stellata, or iron oak. And looking at my references that species needs 60 days cold stratification. So winter sowing in the garage should be fine.
I've done all this and they all sprout. I put them in big free draining pots, but they all died one by one. You don't talk about what to do when they've sprouted. I think it's best to plant them in situ with protection from squirrels. I have read that they need to put down very deep roots the first season, which makes the pot/transplant thing obsolete.
Hi Sarah - I said in the video to plant sprouted acorns relatively quickly. Then, right after this I show how to plant an acorn, and it is the same procedure for both sprouted or unsprouted acorns of all species. You can do as you say, which is known as direct sowing, which I describe at around the 8 minute mark in the video. If you know exactly where you want your trees to grow, and feel you can keep them protected, then that would definitely be the best option as you say.
I have additional question - are you sure they're dead? The reason I ask is that as the weather turns colder all growth activity should cease as it goes dormant. Just curious.
Haa!!! Just stick em in the dirt lol. By the time white oaks produce acorns you'll get tired of cutting the little ones down. In high precipitation areas they seem to grow faster than grass.
A squirrel planted a red oak acorn in my sister’s yard. The sapling is about 3 feet tall now.
Squirrels will do that. Red Oaks tend to grow much faster than White.
how to get acorns of oak tree, for sowing (planting)?
@@hengkyl1106 Collecting them right now (Oct) from under mature white oak trees is one way. However, here in south Alabama, the deer and squirrels get the acorns "on first bounce" in the woods. You can also find acorns on line at Etsy, etc. or from tree seed nurseries such as F.W. Schumacher Co, for example. Viability may be suspect from some individual sources, so try to get acorns delivered quickly from trusted sources as white oak acorns have a limited sprout time window.
Good advice Mr. Griffin
Very informative. I enjoy your videos talking about native American species. I live in the UK and wish there was a content creator as high quality as you for my country.
We should all be so lucky
Thank you Blue. I really appreciate you words there, as I try to make my videos as informative as possible, but visually pleasing too.
Although my info was for this specific Native American species, I believe that all the information regarding germination of White Oak species would apply to any native Oaks in UK that were of the White Oak family.
America saving the day...again
Starts at 5:20
the blowdown branches make great firewood too. We would cut the most damaged ones in our windbreaks/ wildlife trails and take to a neighbor that had a sawmill. Most of them were large engough that the branches gave us firewood for the year. We always put several acorns in the ground around where the old tree grew.
That is another nice benefit of oak. It is excellent firewood.
wished I would have seen this video when I first moved to my house 15 years ago, the trees would be about 15' tall by now. I still might try to grow a couple, thanks for the video.
You know what they say...."When is the best time to plant a tree?" Answer "15 years ago"
Very happy to see this video
I was always told that the reason white oak are not found in landscape nurseries is because of the huge tap root.
A one inch tall white oak can have a twelve inch tap root and it makes commercial propagation difficult and expensive .
I hope this video motivates people to propagate this beautiful and resilient tree
Thank you Barney. Sorry for not responding earlier. For some reason UA-cam flagged this comment for 'potentially inappropriate'. I need to check those more often!
Don't go to a nursery anyway. Always grow your trees from seed unless you just want a specific cultivar. An oak grown from acorn will catch up on a 5 year old and maybe a 10 year old oak in tree time. Nothing is better than letting nature do it's thing rather than buying a tree that has been neglected, had the taproot and critical root zone decimated for potting, left in that pot till it is rootbound, taken out of that pot, planted (probably improperly deep), and then spending the next 5 - 10 years establishing it's root system again in a new location and probably new soil composition. Planting an acorn in it's forever home from day one will catch and surpass that tree with ease after 5-10 years. And have a much healthier, completely undisturbed root system to boot.
@@Mudcat3434…as the miracle of nature intended. ☺️
Thank you so much for putting out great informative content.
I planted ten swamp white oaks from the conservation dept here in MO about 5 years ago on our property. Silly me didn't mark them and just planted them. (I had planted 85 seedlings that day so I think I just forgot lol).
Anyways I was walking around the property a few weeks ago and I seen one of the oaks I planted! It was about 5ft tall and such a beautiful vibrant red color! I was so happy!! It's just a gorgeous tree and has such majestic mighty magic to it. It was a great feeling seeing it.
Thanks for this info and info on the tall tree pots!
You are very welcome - thank YOU for planting Oaks. The most important of our native trees. I'm glad you are having some success!
Great info. One of the best I’ve watched on White Oaks
Thank you! I'm very glad you found it informative. Good luck!
I went to a beautiful outdoor wedding last month, and was amazed at the huge white oak acorns. I picked up several, and here I am. We have pin oaks, so I’d love to get some of these to sprout and plant.
Excellent - I love collecting new species. I hope you get them to sprout - good luck!
I live in Northern Virginia. I started gathering and will start this process over the weekend.
That's great to hear - good luck!
thank you very much, very informative, I am grateful.
Thank you Herb!
Thanks for this video.
I bought a lake property years ago and have been collecting the acorns for 3 years now and planting them.
I probably get 1000s of acorns... and even after floating them.. my yields are not very high... but... I think I am drying them out in fridge over the winter now that I watch your video.
I probably have 150-200 in their 2nd year in raised beds I am hoping to transplant this summer if they made it thru the winter for the 2nd time.
It's just fun... :)
That is awesome that you've got some many in their second year! And yes, if they are not in a sealed container in the fridge they will likely dry out.
Your video is amazing❤❤ I’m new to planting and I followed what you said and collected some white oak seeds … from my college and followed your steps and right now I have it in a pot and it’s 2inches tall!! I turned on my grow light so that it grows in my house (only for now) because my area has a lot of deers and bunnies.. etc. 😊I’m excited for it to grow a leaf!!
Oh that is awesome - congratulations, and good luck! Those plastic tree shelters may be a bit unsightly, but they work really well.
Thanks for sharing, as a wannabe tree planter, I have one pledge, it may be in the link You refer to, but one thing that I would like to know more about, in terms ogetting out planting trees, is what kind of soil to plant the different seeds in, and how to add or subtract acidity etc....
Hi Bjarke - I don't worry about starting seeds in regards to pH, as most potting soils are neutral and work fine for most trees (even acid loving ones). But for final location, it is incredibly hard to change the pH. To acidify you will have to add Sulphur or something similar every year, or every other year. It is something you will need to maintain.
Fantastic video! I'm a relatively new tree enthusiast if that is a thing one could be. I've started growing some acorns I collected from a local park. Finally have a couple rising out of the soil! I have several trees in the backyard I use for bonsai but may be able to convince my dad to grow a white oak in his yard this spring, or maybe a burr oak. He wasn't too keen on the idea of a dawn redwood. Perhaps when I'm no longer renting I could have a backyard forest!
Sounds great cheese. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now
I planted 3 acorns in thr ground... and 1 took! I'm so proud....
Congrats Gina. You need to protect it though, from deer.
Yes, protect for a long time too. I just lost an oak, 5-7 years old to deer this winter from the yearly "deer rub". completely girdled the bark...darn. I took the protective tube off last fall & forgot to reinstall it.
I have been trying to grow white oaks for YEARS!! This year, I finally found your video, and followed your directions and I have about 10 nice size seedlings, which I keep indoors, in southern sun (I put several sprouting acorns in one large container) My question is, at what point do I separate them into their own individual pots? Most of the seedlings are about 3-4" tall and 2-3 leaves each
Hi Fran - I would separate them now. The sooner the better.
Planted a white oak and a red oak last week. I bought them at 5ft-6ft tall. Also, saw Doug Tallamy at a talk last week near Philadelphia.
How much did they cost per tree at 5 to 6 foot? Thanks
@@Everyday_Richard the red oak was $18 (on sale) and the white was $38. Got both at a native plant nursery called Redbud here in Pa.
Love yr videos. So much information without music etc.
Thank you - I'm glad you are liking them!
Excellent. I’ve been trying to find a detailed instruction video as I want to give this a try. I was specifically finding it difficult to understand WHEN to actually put them in dirt. I think I likely let too many dry out, thinking to keep them until next spring. Thanks
You are very welcome! Glad you found it helpful, and good luck!
Thank you for doing this one!!!! I am so excited.
You are welcome Bee! Good luck!
So beautiful. Need to go to North America just to look at them full grown and happy.. maybe grab a few acorns back 💚
Thank you Erinn - they are beautiful trees. Majestic really.
Such an important tree for wildlife!
It is one of the most important species for wildlife. Really hosts a ton of caterpillars.
Yes! Your video got me looking into smaller varieties of oaks that I could possibly fit in my small yard.
Dwarf chinkapin oak is the best match. Small, but hosts a lot of caterpillars
Thanks for the info. I made a mistake of allowing the seeds to dry out outdoors. I still planted them. Hopefully they sprout
They might be alright as it takes a bit for them to fully dry out. Good luck!
Thank you so very much. Great, thorough info.
You are very welcome Janette - I'm glad you found it informative and helpful!
This spring I bought a little one-foot tall white oak at a nursery, and they gave me a second one free because of the chance that one might not survive. I immediately planted one but kept the second in a pot to plant in the fall. Something broke the tiny branches and leaves off the one in the ground (maybe rabbits or deer?). It was just a stick in the ground and I figured it would die but I didn’t dig it up. To my surprise it leafed out again and looks healthy. I guess I should buy a cage for it as you suggested in the video. The tree in the pot is doing okay but actually doesn’t seem as healthy as the one in the ground. I’m not sure what I’ll do with the one in the pot. My yard doesn’t have room for two oaks that will eventually get huge.
Hi - I would definitely cage the tree in some manner. I've had damage from all the animals I listed out.
As an idea for your other tree in a pot, perhaps you could offer it for free on Facebook. I'm sure there is someone who would be interested it. If you aren't on Facebook, then at work, neighbors, or even Church if you attend. People like free stuff, and definitely free trees!
Very, very impressive info. I'm doing this process as we speak. Thanks!!
Thank you Dan - good luck getting your trees started!
Thanks for that! You mentioned most uses for the wood, except my favourite….barrels!
You are welcome. Yes - I should have mentioned barrels. Heck the entire bourbon industry depends on it!
@@growitbuildit here in Canada we use the barrels for our Canadian Whisky too! The white oak barrel is increasingly being accepted by wine makers. They are important for barrel aged rums also! I love the wonderful vanilla impact from American 🇺🇸 oak!
Wonderful information! Thank you! Love our white oak tree! ❤
Thank you Angela - I love White Oaks too.
Another great and helpful video
Thank you Mitchell - I'm glad you found it helpful!
Tough splitting too.
Thank you so much, I love all of your videos.
You are very welcome Dominique! I'm glad you are finding them helpful!
Thanks for so much valuable information!
Thank you Alison! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Great video! Very informative. Thanks for sharing.
You are very welcome - good luck!
Great work displayed
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Why do we put them in the refrigerator? I thought white oak acorns didn't need cold stratification?
Also to combat the growth of fungus have you tried cinnamon powder or ground cinnamon? It apparently has natural fungicide and antibacterial properties. I'm using it with the white oak acorns I'm trying to germinate. I pretty much did what you did here except I just put them in a draw instead of the refrigerator. I started them three days ago, should check in on them everyday or every three days?
Hi Hunter - I would check them daily. When in room temperatures the root can grow surprisingly quickly. I like using the fridge because it will still germinate, but just much more slowly.
I haven't done much with cinnamon, but will probably try it this year with some raspberries.
@@growitbuildit How long does it take them to germinate when I start trying to germinate them before I plant them? A few weeks? Should I wrap them up tighter with a damp paper towel so they have as much contact with moisture as possible?
As long as they are a humid environment or sitting on the moist towel it should be good. I can't say for certain how long, but would expect no more than a week or two
@@growitbuildit Alright thanks!
Thank you ❤❤❤
You are very welcome
In early October, I started collecting lots of brown white oak acorns and then I stored these acorns inside the bag. In a very few days, I have seen that hundreds of white oak acorns were sprouting inside the bag without planting them. I wanted to keep the white oak acorns dormant but I am not sure how to keep these acorns dormant in the bag once I store them. I wanted to know which season I should plant White Oak acorns. I wanted to prevent White Oak acorns from sprouting too quickly, I wanted to prevent that.
The only way I know is to keep them dry (but don't dry them out), and then put them in a plastic bag in the fridge. You likely had a lot in the bag, and I am guessing they all gave off enough humidity to sprout.
@@growitbuildit According to your video, what season did you germinate White Oak acorns? Which season did you germinate it? Which season?
Spring.
Great to know, what to do with "twin trunks"?
I believe you are supposed to prune the smaller or weaker one off. The better one should then dominate and be good.
Love the channel and loved the cuckoo call making a cameo at the start of the video.
Thank you!
Great video(s)! Have you ever tried clipping the tips of the taproot when up-potting to promote a more branches, fibrous root system? If so, how do they bounce back?
Hi - I have not done that. In general, I try to avoid damaging any woody or branching taproots.
excellent content....thank you!!
Thank you Ajaxx! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome thank you
You are very welcome - glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for your video. I had some viable acorns overwintering in gallon pots outdoors, but come spring they still haven't sprouted even though it's now quite warm down south where I live, and many volunteer oak seedlings are sprouting elsewhere in my yard. At what point do I give up waiting for a shoot?
I would give them a few more weeks. But you can always dig one up to check. I've done so...you just need to be careful. You may be pleasantly surprised with a root. It can take a bit for the stem to emerge. By the time you see a stem, you might have 9" or root below.
A fine video. Thanks 👌🏻
Thank you Stiaan!
Excellent & Consise, thanks!
Thank you - glad you enjoyed it!
Great video thank you.
Thank you - I'm glad you found it helpful!
I planted some white oak acords in small 2" peat pots 10/1, on about 10/20 I started getting some sprouts, but I am getting two spouts on most pots where I only planted one acorn, so I am suspecting that tap root some how grew in the up direction because there was no room.
You could very well be correct in that - it is trying to find somewhere to go.
@@growitbuildit So I dissected a pot, and found there was a strong root still growing downward, but on several of my acorns I have multiple shoots coming up? Is multiple shoots normal?
@@ppumpkin3282 I have not seen that before. I wouldn't be too worried about it, but I would definitely suggest either planting that in a final location or into a much larger pot
I love your videos! Thank you for the awesome information! I collected a bunch of sprouted white oak acorns yesterday (they already have a tap root growing). I was thinking of planting the acorns in small but deep 9" tree pots and then burying these tree pots in soil to the top of the pots outside for the winter. Do you think this would prevent the roots from freezing? I live in the mountains of NC and winters can be pretty cold. Any help you can provide is appreciated as my wife wants no more plants growing inside our small home this winter!
Hi Russel - what you are describing, planting the pots, should keep them alive. You can also just leave them out in a garage or something too. Just try to keep the squirrels away. But a 9" depth should be good I think.
thanks for the video Joe...I have an oak tree in the woods strip at the edge of my yard. It now has massive vines growing on it. I read that you can sever the vines at the ground, but what happens to the vine when it dies? the vines go all the way up the tree...will it cause damage to the branches when the vine starts dying off?
Hi Eileen - you should try to identify the vine first. If it is Oriental Bittersweet, then you may need to sever the vine and spray it immediately with concentrated brush killer of some kind. As vines can often 'sprout up' all over the place.
But in general, vines can often girdle trees. Also, the leaves of the vine can pick up wind and possibly help bring the tree or parts of it down. So, as a general rule, I remove vines on trees that I care about.
I found that using a cage along with a short tube works well for oaks. The tube works on rabbits, and the tube protects against mice.
The cage let's the trunk move in the wind while keeping deer off.
I've been using the tubes for the most part. Of course those are only 4' tall (the ones I buy). I may have to do this as I've got a number of trees to plant this Fall of various species. I do have some excess fencing for cages though...
I have another question, do all Oak Acorns needs Scarification in order to germinate? Do they need Scarification? Or no? Do acorns need to be scarified before germination? Do they need to be scarified? Or no? I need to know this because all acorns have a very hard seed shells. I need to know this.
I don't know of any acorn that needs scarification. Only stratification for members of red oak family.
ben fatto, complimenti👍
Thank you!
So what time of year is the best for transplanting in its final location?
Hi Brian - early Spring not long after they emerge. Just make sure they are protected from deer. And you should probably give it a good watering once per week the first year during hot Summer months.
I planted an acorn a month and a half ago. I’ve bought a Uv lamp to put on it since I can’t put it outside. It’s currently about 4 inches tall with like 4 leaves about an inch long. How often should I water it?
Hi Zach - if it is indoors and winter where your live, then there will be barely any heat demands on the tree. That means it won't use much water. I would just make sure the soil was moist by sticking my finger in there, or picking up the pot to make sure it had some weight to it, indicating that there is moisture in the soil.
Also, if you are able to water from the bottom, that would probably be good too. Just put the pot w/ tree in a larger container with some water in it, and leave it for 20-30 minutes. The water will transfer to the soil with your tree via osmosis. You probably wouldn't need to do this more than once per week.
@@growitbuildit thanks!
I like the intro and benefits section of the video!
Since the seedlings germinate in the fall and would reveal leaves, do seedlings, left outside or in cold temps, keep their leaves throughout their first winter? Or would they be expected to lose their leaves shortly after then and regrow them in spring?
Hi Edward - it would be very rare for a seedling to actually put on top-growth in Fall, but should be possible. The primary focus in Fall is to make a taproot so the plant doesn't completely freeze. But if a seedling managed to put on leaves, it would lose them when the temperatures got cold and regrow them in Spring.
@@growitbuildit Gotcha! Thank you, Joe, for the clarification!
Can you use acorns that fell from a tree a couple months ago? I did the sink test and lots still sank to the bottom. But i assume theyve been on the ground/in the sun for 2ish months by now. Thanks!
If they look good and sink, I would give it a try Harrison.
Hello, I just removed my acorns from the Frig and placed them in cool water, there all floating are they all bad or should I wait 24 hours to see if they sink. I did have them in a sealed baggie over the winter.
Hope you respond
Thanks
Hi - I would soak them for 24 hours. Even if they float, I would still try to germinate them, because at this point - what do you have to lose?
@@growitbuildit
Thanks👍🏻
i jsut harvested a bunch of white oak acorns the yard. some had already sent out tap roots, but also have the insect holes. are they worth trying to grow, or would it just be a lost cause?
Ones with insect holes will most likely not germinate. So I would skip those for sure.
@@growitbuildit alright, good to know. thanks!!!
Same for red oaks? I have both types
Pretty much, except there is no need to pre-sprout them (they won't). Just plant in large pots, 1-2" deep, and keep them in the garage over the coldest parts of the winter. If they freeze, they will die. Also, don't let the pot totally dry out.
Hi there. I started 6 acorns last fall and they were doing well but recently the leaves began browning at the tips. Do you think it's overwatering? Will they bounce back? Thanks!
I'm surprised they have leaves at all Stef. But if the ends are crispy, then that usually means it is dry or sunburn. But if you know the soil is moist, then I would probably just try to get them in the sun or into the ground as soon as Spring arrives.
How long does it take to start producing acorns
Generally 10-12 years. It can be a bit shorter or longer depending on conditions.
Hey Joe. I too live in zone 6 (sw Ohio to be exact). Collected white oak acorns today.. Water tested.. have my viables.. Now, I’d like to have them be just emerging around April-ish like in your video… does that mean I refrigerate naked acorns in zip-loc til about the Winter solstice..? I have 12” pots for them.. planned on placing them in a detached stone building on my father’s farm. Should they be okay there for the remaining winter as it can get very windy and brisk out there? Ultimately they’ll be planted lining the lane in the wide open field. Will they require any protection for the next winter aside from the sleeve? Thank you so much for the informative video. Been wanting to do this for years!
Hi Blaine - I would probably just plant them in the pots in Autumn once temperatures get a bit colder, or pre-sprout and plant as you see germination. As long as they don't completely dry out in the stone building it should be ok. They will emerge in Spring. Good luck!
Thinking about starting some indoors and planting them in the Spring--is it okay to start them now or should I wait closer to Spring? Also, would a heating pad be beneficial?
Hi Adam - if your seed is viable, I would go ahead and plant them now and just keep them in the garage.
Is gardening soil a suitable soil to use for acorns in pots?
Hi Hunter - it could probably work. Just make sure it drains well. I usually mix 50/50 topsoil with regular potting soil myself.
@@growitbuildit Got it the pot I'm using has four drainage holes in it so that should keep the soil from getting water-logged right? I have some clay pots with only one drainage hole though are those no good to use?
Both should be ok. Just try not to let anything completely dry out, but don't over water either. Just get a feel for heavy it should be.
@@growitbuildit Gotcha, I feel the soil whenever it looks dry and water accordingly. I'm taking a different method to getting acorns to germinate before planting the process is pretty much the same as you showed, but instead of putting in the fridge I'm putting them in front of the window and feel if the soil is dry or not and add a LITTLE more water to keep it moist.
Sounds good - hope you get them all to sprout
Can I germinate this time of year? Zone 6 and then plant in a couple of months?
Hi - if your seed is viable, then you can absolutely germinate and plant. You don't need to wait long if you can manage to keep squirrels away and keep it watered.
I planted chestnut oaks in pots last year. This year only one sprouted. I was happy with that, but it isn't getting any bigger. It's been about 3 inches tall for 3 months or so. Why is it not growing?
Trees (and other plants) often match their size to the pots they are in. Also, as a first year plant most of it's energy should be going to roots, not top-growth. If you get it in the ground, you should start to notice more growth later this year or next.
@@growitbuildit It's been in the ground for about a week. Funny, but, the leaves are about the size of my pinkie nail, but look like fully formed leaves, just miniatures. I did the same thing with a tiny little maple seedling last year and it's 5 ft tall now. I guess I was expecting more than 3 inches by now. Lol. I'll wait and see and hope I don't step on it. Thanks. 🤔🌱
Sounds small. It could be a slow starter or genetically weird too
Can you grow it in the house after it's sprouted?
Hi, yes, for a time you can. Just make sure it gets plenty sunlight from a window.
What soil mix did you use to pot up your trees. I have 3 large containers, 18-24” deep of burr oak seedlings (about 50 plants per container that are already 3 yrs old now). I’ve needed to divide them and plant them in their own containers for years. They have deep roots already, so what size of pots would you to transfer them to? As you can see I had great success with growing acorns, most coming from 1” tall trees that I got from the soil conservation service over 25 yrs ago.
Hi JLP - If you are trying to actually grow these in the landscape, you may want to consider just trying to plant them outside in another month or so, once the temperatures begin to cool. Otherwise for containers, they will need to have as much root depth available as they do now, and the larger the pot, the better.
The thing with trees, they can survive in a container for a bit, but their roots are going to be bound up a bit in the pot. This can lead to damaged roots or sickly trees.
Forgot to add - I either use ProMix, or I mix up top soil and potting soil 50/50
So what happens when the tree starts growing in November in ground and then the cold of winter comes? Will it naturally go dormant?
In the ground? Yes, so to speak. But it will have enough time to put it's root deep enough so that it doesn't completely freeze.
For growing in pots, it is the same. But a container on the back deck may freeze solid in Dec-Feb, which can kill the acorn/tree completely.
Can I use compost dirt instead of potting soil?
Hi Jacob - I would probably mix it with topsoil 50/50 at the least. That way you would have some more structure. The tree is going to grow fast in full sun regardless if it is in compost or soil. The 'seed' has a ton of stored energy.
Very similar oak to european (quercus robur) one. I would love to plant white oak in my city but they arent growing here - we have some other northern american red oaks (quercus rubra) but not this one.
They are beautiful trees. I'm afraid I'm not familiar enough with European oaks to suggest a close alternative
I’ve grown multiple tree species from seed: green ash, American and slippery elm, American chestnut (wild ones), black walnut, and pin oak. But for some reason I never have luck with any white oak species. The acorns always sprout, I plant them carefully, then they suddenly die. This is indoors too with homemade compost. No fungus present.
Do you have any idea why that would happen?
That seems strange. Maybe repeat but leave them outside to winter after sprouting? Or just try with viable acorns, with no transplant after sprouting. I have had some oak species die after potting them up - I assume I was too rough with the roots.
where did you find the long pots?
Greenhouse megastore. But if you have some left over shrub pots, you can use those too.
I planted 3 random acorns last fall. 2 germinated. When I transplanted them in spring 1 of them died. In early September my last oak tree got eaten probably by a baby rabbit that fit through my fence, but then it grew back from its roots and it looks healthy as if nothing happened to it! This year I’m planting 2 white oak acorns (this time I paid attention which type of acorns I’m planting) and I’m still waiting for them to germinate from my pots.
If every person in the world planted 3 trees like me, we would have 23.9 billion more trees. If every person planted 250 trees (1 tree every day for just 8 months 1 week), we could end global warming. Whoever sees my comment please do your part.
Nice work Paul - I'm glad you aren't getting discouraged from the animals eating them off. It happens to me periodically. I've found the tree shelters to be the most robust solution though.
how to get acorns of oak tree, for sowing (planting)?
@@hengkyl1106 To get acorns just go wherever you see oak trees in mid October (right about now) and look for acorns on the ground that aren’t damaged. Take the acorns and pit them in water and keep only the ones that sink. Keep the good acorns soaked in water part of the time to prevent them from drying and if a root sprouts, you’ll know it’s good and then you can plant the acorn.
@Paul L, I will, any way, I don't understand that picking up acorns, cones etc, fertilising and planting them, which is basically all for free, isn't going on on an union-wide scale, both in the EU and in the USA, if they did, they could probably spur something similar in the other large assemblies of states, Africa, South America and China, for instance....
However, as trees grow slow, they should do something similar with some fast growing and well shading (and carbon eating), like ferns, planting these everywhere could have an effect already this summer....
-And these can literally stand everywhere, whereas there's complications with trees, which need protection and certain soils to be successful, and no nearby cloaks....
when i transplanted 2 baby oaks into pots they both died, they seem to be very delicate. i was very careful when transplanting and the roots were mostly undisturbed
Thanks for the informative video. I have about 20 pots in my unheated garage (Wisconsin) with lots of swamp white acorns per pot. Hopefully they’ll have a good winter in there. My question is watering. As we’ve now experienced freezing temps (especially overnight) the soil seems to have gotten quite dry and hard. Hoping it’s not freezing to much. Anyway, looking for your advice on moisture/irrigation through winter.
Hi Richard - is it freezing inside your garage? Or were they freezing outside before you moved them inside? The key is that the entire pot shouldn't completely freeze, or at least not very long.
For watering, if the pot feels light, then it is probably dry. But saturated pots that freeze will look dry, but still feel heavy.
@@growitbuildit They were potted in nice weather and put in the garage right away after an initial watering. The pots have not been watered since, as they remained nice and damp. The garage is attached to the house, but isn’t insulated. We had a cold snap at the end of last week and I noticed the soil getting a bit solid. Just wanted to make sure I’m not putting them on the wrong path ;)
You should be good then, Richard. Just don't let them actually freeze. I have a thermometer in my garage. It isn't necessary where I live, but I know it never freezes
Where do you get those deep square pots from?
I buy them from Greenshouse Megastore. They have 14" and 9" deep pots
👍👍
Thank you Adnan
What is the name of the book you mentioned in the video?
Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy
Thank you! Great videos!
I'm actually growing 3 English oak trees😮😮
I've never seen those, but I bet they are magnificent.
how to get acorns of oak tree, for sowing (planting)?
Hi - you need to locate the tree, then start visiting it in Autumn, monitoring for when they start to drop. Collect them when they are naturally falling from the tree, which usually lasts a week or two.
I planted oaks at home from local coppice, all sprouts were cool but after several months got white areas on leaves like Microsphaera alphitoides. All died. Me bad or acorns were inadequate? ((
It sounds like fungus. Was there plenty of sun/air movement? Or was it all indoors with grow lights?
@@growitbuildit All indoors. I gave one to my mother to grow - died, too. Do they (ashes, oaks) need be outdoors or similar climate or they may be adaptive for apartment-only?
@@growitbuildit I mean, bonsai-ists manage somehow...
I always try to get them outdoors as soon as possible. I've never tried to grow indoors
@@growitbuildit I see. Thanks!
Keep the fungus away with a bit of cinnamon sprinkled over any paper towels or growing medium.
Thank you - I may have to try that
Can they grow from cuttings?
I've not heard of anyone growing these from cuttings.
I can tell that all acorns require Scarification is because they have a very hard outer seed shells on them. I can easily tell this. I can tell this because I have been researching more about seed Scarification.
I would strongly recommend that you check some reference material. I've grown 5 different Oaks from acorns, and have never scarified a single nut, nor have I ever heard of anyone doing so.
Whoe or where can I get white oak agcorn
The best is to find the trees and wait until Fall. But I'm sure someone out there is selling them. Just google it, and make sure they've stored them sealed in the fridge so they are still viable.
Can I plant green acorn or they must be brown??
Hi David - they should probably be brown. Or at least naturally falling from the tree. Several years ago I found a lot of acorns, green acorns on the ground. I gathered them up and planted them....and nothing happened. Those green acorns I gathered fell to the ground because of strong storms, but they were not mature enough to sprout.
If you picked the acorns from the tree, and they are not naturally falling, then they may not be viable. You can try to sprout them, and if they do, then you are good to go. Otherwise return to the tree and gather more once they start falling naturally.
Is a white oak the same as a post oak?
Looking up Post Oak, I found that it is scientifically known as Quercus stellata, or iron oak. And looking at my references that species needs 60 days cold stratification. So winter sowing in the garage should be fine.
@@growitbuildit now all I need is a garage.
I've done all this and they all sprout. I put them in big free draining pots, but they all died one by one. You don't talk about what to do when they've sprouted. I think it's best to plant them in situ with protection from squirrels. I have read that they need to put down very deep roots the first season, which makes the pot/transplant thing obsolete.
Hi Sarah - I said in the video to plant sprouted acorns relatively quickly. Then, right after this I show how to plant an acorn, and it is the same procedure for both sprouted or unsprouted acorns of all species.
You can do as you say, which is known as direct sowing, which I describe at around the 8 minute mark in the video. If you know exactly where you want your trees to grow, and feel you can keep them protected, then that would definitely be the best option as you say.
I have additional question - are you sure they're dead? The reason I ask is that as the weather turns colder all growth activity should cease as it goes dormant. Just curious.
A little bit of peroxide in the water on the paper towels and you'll have no problems with fungus or mold
That is a great tip - thank you Dennis
I have an acorn
You are half-way there! Float test it!
Name All the other acorns
Haa!!! Just stick em in the dirt lol. By the time white oaks produce acorns you'll get tired of cutting the little ones down. In high precipitation areas they seem to grow faster than grass.
They germinate not long after hitting the ground in moist/humid environments. Their main threat after that is just deer and squirrels.
If the acorn is brown, it'll be dead and if its green then it'll be alive.
I actually germinated many brown acorns Sunshine - you've got to do the float test to be sure.
@@growitbuildit I did already.
.