Bur Oak – Propagating seeds: I picked up some acorns from a Bur Oak tree while visiting my parents’ farm. What is the best way to sprout those seeds?
Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a stately native tree of Kansas. One of the state’s largest trees, it attains a height of 70 to 80 feet. Unfortunately it is slow growing. According to the Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael Dirr, Bur Oak seeds do not require any special treatment for germination. However, applying cool treatment will improve germination. Place the acorns, with the hull removed, in a bag with moist sand or peat moss in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 days. Check occasionally to make sure the sand remains moist. After the cool treatment, plant the acorns in the garden or in pots at a depth of two to three times their diameter. Keep the soil most and wait for germination. Be patient because it may take several months or more for the seedling to emerge.
