HOW TO STRATIFY ACORNS

Cold stratification is a process that involves exposing seeds to cold and moist conditions to help them germinate. It's also known as seed stratification. 

In nature, seeds undergo cold stratification when they fall and overwinter underground or beneath snow. The cold and moist conditions break down the seed's hard coat, allowing water to enter and the seed to germinate in the spring. 

In order to prepare your acorns for overwintering and spring planting you will want to follow the following steps:

• Gather acorns: Collect mature acorns from the ground in the fall after they have fallen from the tree.

• Check for damage: Look and feel the acorns to check for any visible damage or holes. You can also put them in a bucket of water to see if they float. If they float, they may not grow, but some that float may still grow. This is called the "float test". 

• Prepare a moist mixture: You can use a moist mixture of sand and peat moss or pre-moistened peat moss. 

• Store in a cool, moist place: Place the acorns in a container, such as a plastic bag, coffee can, or food storage bag, and store them in a cool, moist place like a refrigerator. The ideal temperature for stratification is between 32–41°F. 

• Maintain moisture: Keep the acorns moist, but don't let them soak in too much water. 

• Check for mold or fungus: Every 2–3 weeks, check the acorns for mold or fungus growth.  If fungus or mold is found throw away the nut immidiately to not infect the rest. 

• Plant in the spring: After the stratification period, you can plant the acorns in the spring directly into the ground or in a pot.