Re: planting acorns

Posted by da-bees on September 13, 2009 at 17:13:48 from (76.187.61.125):

In Reply to: planting acorns posted by JD2ACWD on September 13, 2009 at 15:22:09:

No experts here but we have managed to grow several over the years and have some ready for transplanting as we speak.
What has worked for me is;
Gather the nuts from trees that you have noticed hold thier leaves longest in the fall.
Gather over a period because it seems the first to fall have lower sprouting rate.
As soon as you gather nuts,throw them in water and dispose of any that float,they are wormy. You need not dry nuts before storage. Three methods I have used is 1.Store in zip-loc in fridge until planting. Refloat at planting.
2.Store in sawdust kept moist in fridge until they first break the skin to sprout then planting. Float and plant if not sprouted.
That cuts down on number found by rats and squirrls.
I have very good results starting with 1 gallon food cans(free at restraunts)with sevearal drainage holes in bottom filled with potting soil. If you like you can cut bottom almost out leaving 3 small points of attachment that are easy to cut to remove bottom planting can to rust away but will protect tender plant from weed-eater and being stepped on in early stages.
After one year I some time repot to 3-5 gallon and hold for later planting and larger tree.
3.Planting out soon after gathering to stratify in the ground over winter(better in colder states)instead of fridge. Plant several 2 inchs apart at varing depths. Don't pull extras ,instead keep them cliped off until they don't resprout because roots will be intertwined and damage the selected plant's roots if pulled.
I use Miracle Gro with all methods,stopping 30+days before frost. If it is dry while dormant,water,they are not dead.
In all cases for permanant site I deeply till an area 3ft by 3ft or larger mixing in compost and any needed amendments. I some time use this area to plant flowers. Just be mindful that roots can be damaged when disturbing the soil later.
The reward for all the attention required is that if you transplant a nursury tree the same day as the nut,5 years later the tree from nut will be larger and more important,more robust 9 times out of 10. I misinformed you on the last point. Most rewarding for me is my 20 year old grandson watching his younger cousins climb trees he and Pappaw grew.

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