Posted on 19th Feb 2012 @ 4:42 PM

Like many cold hardy trees, oak seeds need to be stratified for germination to take place. After the winter stratification period - acorns will sprout in the spring. If you purchased or collected your acorns in the fall then you can plant the acorns in the fall without performing indoor stratification. Stratification is the method to which seeds need to germinate. Basically, stratification is how the seeds know when it is time to germinate. Seeds must go through a cold period (winter) and once winter is over and the ground warms up, the seed will sprout and grow into a tree. Acorns will not germinate in the winter because the seed knows it is not time to grow. The white oak acorn family sprouts as soon as it falls from the tree in the fall. You can then plant white oak acorns. They will grow right away and then stay dormant for the winter and grow more in the spring. You can plant red oak acorns in the fall as well but they to need the winter to stratify and then sprout in the spring. If you purchased acorns from www.acorno.com your acorns have already been in cold storage. All you need to do is put your acorns in a large ziplock bag and fill with peat moss and vermiculite. Spray with water, shake the bag up and place in your fridge for 1-2 months. Check your bag every 2 weeks for signs of sprouting. Your acorns will germinate in April or May and be ready to plant indoors or outdoors.