Hello! I have some questions for propagating Quercus from acorns. My first question is this, in the Float Test- a viable seed floats or sinks? My dad wants to get some oaks started on his property. Once he determines whether or not the seeds are viable, what steps can he do to ensure the seeds germinate? My first educated guess was to toss them out into the woods and let nature do its thing. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance! Sarah
Depending on species they will require cold stratification. If the trees are from your area, they should be soaked in water for 24 hours, and then put in a plastic bag with enough damp peat moss to ensure 360 degree contact with the acorns. Put them in your fridge for three months, and then plant in containers or in their final destination. Containers are best, as you will see which acorns actually germinated, and then you can plant the trees in the fall and know they will likely survive in the spot where you planted them.
