Northern Red Oak Seed

100 acorns per unit

Northern Red oak seed has been treated or 'stratified' to enhance germination. For best results plant immediately after receiving seed but if you keep them moist and stored at 33 to 35° F, they can be held for several weeks. Plant them 2 inches deep with three seeds in each hole. Acorns will begin to germinate while in cold storage and must not be allowed to dry out once they have germinated. When in the field, ensure that seed is not exposed to drying winds prior to planting.

Firm soil around the seeds, and water. Mark the spot with a stake or flag to aid in locating the plants later. If all seeds grow, select the best plant and pull the others out.

Northern Red oak is a taproot species. It is best to plant the acorns in their permanent locations. If it becomes necessary to transplant the seedlings, do so second growing season, while the seedlings are dormant.

Squirrels have an uncanny way of finding planted acorns. One way to protect the seed is to plant them in a tin can as shown and outlined below:

1. Remove the bottom completely from a no. 2 can.
2. Cut an "X" in the other end of the can.
3. Pour 1 inch of topsoil in can.
4. Place 2 nuts in can.
5. Fill can with topsoil and firm lightly.
6. Dig hole deep enough for upright can.
7. Place can in hole with "X" end up and backfill around the can.
8. Carefully bend tips of "X" to make a 1-inch opening. The pointed tips will discourage animals from digging the nuts.