How to Plant an Acorn & Grow an Oak Tree

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A guide to collecting, germinating, and planting acorns
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It’s hard to imagine that a mighty oak tree can come from a tiny acorn, but with enough patience and care, you can grow one yourself! Simply look for a healthy acorn to plant in early autumn and germinate it in a pot and soil. Then, transplant your acorn into the ground once it’s sprouted. In this article, we’ll also explain how to care for your growing oak tree. Read on to learn more!

How to Plant an Acorn

  1. Harvest healthy, undamaged acorns from the ground in autumn.
  2. Soak the acorns in water—the ones that sink are good to germinate.
  3. Sow the acorn 1 inch deep in a pot of potting soil.
  4. Water the acorn and keep it inside in a sunny spot.
  5. Keep the water moist until the acorn sprouts.
Section 1 of 4:

Collecting Acorns

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  1. Acorns are best harvested in early to mid-autumn after they’ve fallen from the tree—this is a sign that they’re mature and can germinate. Simply choose acorns that are free of holes, cracks, worms, and fungus. Suitable acorns are brown, though the appearance of acorns can vary based on the type of oak tree they come from. A good general rule that acorns are mature and ready for germination is if the cap is easy to remove. [1]
    • Collect the second round of acorns that fall to the ground, if possible. The first round of acorns that fall are often immature and many may not be viable to germinate.
    • Look for suitable trees in the summer and monitor their acorn development. You want to act quickly, as squirrels, deer, rabbits, and pests like to eat acorns that drop on the ground.
    • Tip: Collect twice as many acorns as you actually want to plant. Every acorn won’t germinate, so this ensures that you get at least 1 that does.
    • Note that the cap is not part of the acorn, but a (separate) protective covering. Removing the cap from the acorn doesn’t damage it, unless you tear the acorn itself.
    • Some oak varieties, like red oaks, have acorns that take 2 years to mature, rather than 1. As you look for trees in the summer, keep this in mind—the acorns on some oaks will be ready in the fall, while others won't be ready until the following year.
  2. The acorns from different species of oak trees germinate differently, so it’s important to know what type of oak tree you collected them from. In North America, the 2 main types of oak trees are white oaks and red oaks. Registered professional biologist Dr. Michael Simpson says, “white oak leaves typically have lobes with rounded tips (like rabbit ears)” while “red oaks leaves have lobes with pointed, bristle-like tips (like those on a holly leaf but not sharp to the touch).”
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  3. Put the acorns that you harvested, without their caps, in a bucket of water. Allow the acorns to settle for 1 to 2 minutes. Then, discard any acorns that float—these acorns are bad. [2]
    • An acorn may float because its embryo didn’t fully develop or a worm or grub burrowed into it, creating an air hole. Similarly, a fungus can make the acorn float.
    • If, at any point, you notice that an acorn is soft to the touch, discard it as well. Soft, mushy acorns are rotten.
    • Besides showing you which acorns are viable to germinate, the float test also rehydrates the viable acorns (the ones that sink) and prepares them for germination.
    • Dry off the viable acorns and germinate them as soon as possible. If you can’t germinate them within a few days, place them in a plastic storage bag, seal it shut, and set them in your fridge. Aim to store them for no longer than 2 months. [3]
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Section 2 of 4:

Germinating and Planting the Acorns

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  1. Sow white oak acorns in a pot full of potting soil . White oak acorns start to germinate in the fall as soon as they hit the ground, so immediately fill a 1-foot (30 cm) deep pot that has drainage holes with regular potting mix. [4] Place the acorn sideways (lengthwise) on top of the soil. Then, cover it with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil and water them thoroughly. [5]
    • Tip : Mix about 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of slow-release fertilizer into the soil. This can boost the success rate of germination and encourage the acorns to grow strong. [6]
    • If some of your white oak acorns have already grown a root, sow it into the soil with the root facing down.
    • Alternatively, sow the acorn in the yard where you want the tree to grow. If the acorn has a root, bury it in a shallow hole and gently tuck the acorn to one side on top of suitable rich, soft soil. This works best if the taproot is already well established, long, and has detached adequately from the acorn. Just be warned—this leaves the seedling vulnerable to mice, squirrels, deer, etc. It's best to wrap a cage around the seedling to protect it from animals.
  2. Unlike white oak acorns, red oak acorns don’t germinate until the spring—they need to experience cold temperatures to “tell” them it’s time to germinate. You can simulate this with a process called cold stratification. Simply add damp sand and peat moss to a large plastic bag. Then, add your acorns to the bag without sealing it closed. Just place the bag in your refrigerator for about 30 to 60 days. [7]
    • Don’t overfill the bag—ensure the acorns don’t touch each other and are each surrounded by the sand/peat moss mix.
    • Alternatively, sow the red oak acorns directly into the soil where you want the trees to grow. In most areas, the winter temperatures are cold enough to tell the acorns it's time to germinate. Just remember, the acorns won’t germinate until the spring, so it likely won’t be until late in the season that you see any seedlings start to sprout.
  3. Ensure the medium remains moist, but not overly wet. Too moist, and the acorns may rot. Too dry, and they may not grow. Even when stored in the refrigerator, most acorns will begin to germinate in the presence of moisture. The root end may begin to crack through the shell around early December (late fall, early winter). Whether or not the root has cracked through, the acorn is ready to be planted after about 30-60 days of storage.
    • Handle your seedlings with care—the emerging roots are easily damaged.
  4. Follow similar steps for sowing red oak acorns as white oak acorns. Fill a 1-foot (30 cm) deep pot that has drainage holes with regular potting mix (some sources also recommend adding milled sphagnum moss). Place the acorn sideways onto the surface and cover it with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil. For watering purposes, make sure to leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top of the pot. [8]
    • Feel free to use any deep container to grow your containers. For instance, use a styrofoam cup, coffee canister, or milk carton. Just make sure to poke holes in the bottom of the container so water can drain out of it.
    • Tip : Add about 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of slow-release fertilizer into the soil and mix it well before adding the acorns.
  5. Water your plant until water comes out of the holes at the bottom of its container. In the coming weeks, water the acorns frequently, never allowing the soil to dry out. [9] In this stage of their life, keep your seedlings indoors. Place them on a southern windowsill, where they can absorb the winter sun. You may not notice rapid above-ground growth right away. This is because, during the first stage of its life, the plant is developing its taproot below the surface of the dirt. [10]
    • If you live in the southern hemisphere, place your seedlings on a northern windowsill instead.
    • If your seedling isn't getting much sun, use a supplemental indoor grow light to provide more sunlight.
    • Alternatively, keep your acorns outside . Just keep them in a place safe from animals, like an unheated garage or shed.
    • For both white and red oak acorns , it usually takes 6 to 8 weeks from sowing to see any sprouting and growth.
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Section 3 of 4:

Transplanting the Seedling

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  1. Gardening sources differ about the next steps to take—some recommend planting seedlings directly into the ground after a few weeks of growth in a pot or cup, [11] while others recommend gradually increasing the amount of time each day that the plant is exposed to the outdoor weather before finally planting it in the ground. Still, others recommend transplanting the seedling to a larger pot, allowing it to grow further, and then finally planting it in the ground. Though there is no single right way to decide when to transplant a seedling into the ground, there are qualities to look for that can inform your decision to transplant your seedling. Good candidates for transplanting :
    • Are about 4 to 10 inches tall (10-25 cm), with small leaves. [12]
    • Have white, healthy-looking roots.
    • Appear to be outgrowing their container.
    • Have shown substantial taproot growth.
    • Are a few weeks to several months old.
  2. Planting your seedlings outside without getting them accustomed to the outdoors can kill your plant. About a week or two before planting your seeds outside, place your seedlings outdoors for a few hours. Slowly increase how long you leave the seedlings outside each day for the next week or two. Then, your seedlings will be ready to be planted outdoors. [13]
    • Make sure your seedlings are protected from the wind so they don't blow over.
  3. Location is everything—pick a location for your oak tree where it has room to grow and won't be a hindrance when it’s grown large. When choosing the site for your oak tree, some things to consider are: [14]
    • The availability of sunlight . Oak trees need 6 to 8 hours of full sun to grow. So, don't plant them in shaded areas.
    • The soil quality . Ensure the soil is well-draining (doesn’t accumulate standing water). Most oak trees grow well in all soil types, though they tend to prefer loamy soil.
    • The available space . Most species of oak trees grow at least 40 feet (12 m) tall with a canopy that spreads around 40 feet (12 m) wide. The root system is also extensive and can spread double the length of the tree. [15]
    • The location of nearby sidewalks, water lines, buried pipes, etc . You don't want to have to move or cut back your tree if work needs to be done in your yard. Your tree’s roots can also potentially disturb any structures nearby.
    • The shading effect of the full-grown tree . If you would like your oak tree to eventually provide shade for your home, plant it to the west or southwest of your home to maximize the shading effect it will have in the summer, while minimizing its shade in the winter. [16]
      • Note—in the southern hemisphere, plant your tree to the west or northwest side of your house to get the shading effect.
    • Nearby vegetation . Plants compete with each other for sun, moisture, and other resources. Don't plant your young oak right next to any substantial vegetation, or it may not reach maturity.
  4. When you've picked a good spot for your tree, clear any minor vegetation in a 3-foot (91 cm) circle away. Use a shovel to turn over the dirt in the area to a depth of about 10 inches (25 cm) and break up any large clods of soil. If the soil isn't moist, you may want to moisten the soil yourself or wait until after a rain to plant your tree. [17]
  5. In the middle of your 3-foot (91 cm) circle, dig a hole about 2 times as deep and wide as the oak seedling’s container. This further loosens the soil, which helps the seedling grow its roots and spread out. [18]
  6. With the taproot facing down and the leaves facing up, gently place your oak into the hole you've prepared. Make sure the hole is deep enough to accommodate the oak's roots. Replace the dirt around the plant, packing it in lightly. Then, water your seedling. [19]
    • Pack soil around the oak seedling, sloping the soil away from the seedling so that water does not sit at the trunk of the tree, which can be damaging.
    • Tip: Lay a circular ring of mulch about 1 foot (30 cm) wide and 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm) thick around the tree to help the soil retain moisture and discourage the growth of weeds. Just make sure the mulch does not touch the trunk of the tree—leave about 2 inches (5 cm) of space. [20]
    • To increase the chances of a successful planting, you may want to place several acorns in the same area. In this case, plant young seedling acorns directly into the ground by clearing a 2x2 foot (61x61 cm) area and placing 2 acorns into that space, with 2 or 3 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil on top.
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Section 4 of 4:

Caring for Growing Oaks

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  1. Oak trees—especially young, fragile ones—are a source of food for many herbivorous animals. Acorns are a frequent snack for squirrels and mice, who can easily dig them up. Small seedlings are also vulnerable to rabbits, deer, and other animals that like to eat leaves. To ensure your young oak trees aren't devoured, take steps to protect them. Cage your young trees with chicken wire or sturdy plastic fencing around their stem to prevent animals from reaching them. [21]
    • If you live in an area where deer are common, you may even want to consider caging the top of the tree.
    • You may also want to use pesticides to protect your tree from a variety of pests, including aphids and June bugs. Use caution when selecting pesticides—only use ones that are not harmful to your oak tree or your family. For instance, use an horticultural oil or insecticidal soap . [22]
  2. An oak's long taproot allows it to draw moisture from deep soils even when surface soils have been completely dried out. During the winter and wet months, it's not usually necessary to water your oak trees. However, when oaks are young, hot and dry weather can be damaging. A drip irrigation system is a useful way to get water to young oak trees when they need it most. Irrigate your tree with about 10 gallons (38 l) of water via a drip irrigation system every week to 2 weeks. Irrigate during the hottest and driest months for about 2 years, lessening the irrigation frequency as the tree grows. [23]
    • Wait to water your tree until the soil is dry. [24]
    • Remember not to allow water to collect around the base of the tree. [25] Arrange your irrigation system so that water drips around the tree, not directly onto its base, where it can cause rot.
  3. As your oak grows and its roots deepen, you will need to care for it less and less. Eventually, it will be big and tall enough that animals won't be able to kill it and its roots will be deep enough for it to survive the summer without any watering. Slowly, over several years, reduce the amount of care you give your tree (which, aside from watering during dry months and protecting it from animals, should not be all that much). [26] Eventually, your tree should be able to thrive on its own without showing any signs of distress. Enjoy the lifelong gift you've given yourself and your family!
    • If you haven’t received rain in a few weeks, check your tree’s soil to see if it needs to be watered. If the soil feels dry, give your tree a thorough soaking.
    • Oak trees don’t usually need a lot of pruning, but you may want to trim them to control their size and shape them a certain way. Start by removing any dead or diseased branches and remove branches that touch each other. Just avoid pruning more than 30% of the canopy per year. [27]
    • Within 20 years, your oak may begin producing acorns of its own. However, depending on the species, optimal acorn growth may not occur for up to 50 years.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you use just the seed or do you need the whole acorn?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    You don't need the cap of the acorn. The seed is the lower part of the acorn, and you just need to plant that.
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  • Question
    Can I trim the top down to produce more limbs on a 3 year old oak tree?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    No, you should never damage the leading branch. This will damage the tree's appearance and make it vulnerable to disease. It's better to plant a variety of oaks, including scrub oak or a gambel oak, which will branch low or look more like a shrub.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Can I leave the acorn in the refrigerator for longer than a month and a half?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but keep an eye on them for the roots.
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      • Look about to see if the acorn came from an attractive and healthy-looking tree. Use another, better-looking tree if the parent tree has problems.
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      • Don't get discouraged, no matter how long it takes—it can take a few tries to grow an oak tree from an acorn. Just remember, the mighty oak that grew was once a little nut just like yours.
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      • Even small oak trees lose their leaves in the fall season (autumn), so don't be discouraged if all the leaves turn brown or fall off. Just wait for spring.
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      Things You'll Need

      Collecting Acorns

      • Acorns
      • Bowl

      Germinating and Planting the Acorns

      Transplanting Your Seedling

      Caring for Growing Oaks

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      References

      1. ↑ http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/growing-your-own-oak-seedlings
      2. ↑ https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/yard-and-garden-handling-germinating-and-planting-acorns
      3. ↑ https://ucanr.edu/sites/uccemerced/files/40440.pdf
      4. ↑ http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/growing-your-own-oak-seedlings
      5. ↑ https://ucanr.edu/sites/uccemerced/files/40440.pdf
      6. ↑ http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/growing-your-own-oak-seedlings
      7. ↑ https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/yard-and-garden-handling-germinating-and-planting-acorns
      8. ↑ https://ucanr.edu/sites/uccemerced/files/40440.pdf
      9. ↑ https://ucanr.edu/sites/uccemerced/files/40440.pdf
      1. ↑ https://ca.audubon.org/conservation/how-plant-oak-tree-acorn
      2. ↑ http://ca.audubon.org/how-plant-oak-tree-acorn
      3. ↑ ​ https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/complete-guide-to-oak-trees/
      4. ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/hardening-transplants
      5. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/oaks-in-the-landscape
      6. ↑ https://californiaoaks.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/CareOfCAsNativeOaks.pdf
      7. ↑ http://phytosphere.com/oakplanting/acorns.htm
      8. ↑ http://phytosphere.com/oakplanting/acorns.htm
      9. ↑ https://ucanr.edu/sites/uccemerced/files/40440.pdf
      10. ↑ https://ucanr.edu/sites/uccemerced/files/40440.pdf
      11. ↑ http://phytosphere.com/oakplanting/acorns.htm
      12. ↑ https://woodlandinfo.org/success-growing-oak-in-your-woods/
      13. ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/oak-diseases-insect-pests/
      14. ↑ https://ca.audubon.org/conservation/how-plant-oak-tree-acorn
      15. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/oaks-in-the-landscape
      16. ↑ http://phytosphere.com/oakplanting/acorns.htm
      17. ↑ https://www.stlouisparkmn.gov/government/departments-divisions/natural-resources/trees/oak-tree-management-and-care
      18. ↑ https://www.nacaa.com/awards/apps/supplementals/14405-gamble_oak_brochure.pdf

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before you plant your acorns, place them in a bowl of water, and discard any that start to float after 2 minutes. Place the rest in a sealed plastic bag filled with vermiculite or peat mix and store it in the refrigerator for 45 days. If you find one that has sprouted, place it root-side-down in a small pot full of damp soil and water thoroughly. Tend to your acorn as it grows, then transplant the tree outside when it is 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) tall. For tips on where to plant your new oak tree, read on!

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