Description
of seeds belonging to the Angiospermae
(Fagaceae) If there is no risk of frosts where the seed is to be planted, sowing takes place immediately after the harvest; otherwise sowing should be carried out in the spring with acorns which have been stratified during the winter, outside, but also in thermoregulated environments at +1 to +5°c., perhaps pregerminated. Seeds which are sown in the autumn should be protected from rodents, and mulched in cold regions.The stratified soil should be checked from time to time, especially at the end of the winter, so that treatment can be interrupted before the main root is too long. To sow pregerminated acorns, the optimal length of the root is 0.5-5cm, but seeds with longer main roots can also be used, and when they are put into the ground or in containers, the roots can be cut back to 3 cm without any negative consequences for radication. From the time of harvest to sowing, the moisture content of the acorns should not fall below 40%, the ideal level is between 42 and 48%, but this varies depending on the species. The seeds of Q. pedunculata and Q. rubra are particularly susceptible to dehydration. The acorns should be placed in a horizontal position for vernalization and sowing.  Acorns mixed in with dry peat Acorns can be kept for 3-4 years at temperatures ranging from -3 to -1°c (at +1°c the seeds are able to germinate), which nevertheless allow any accumulations of carbon dioxide to be removed. The seeds should be mixed in with dry (but not dehydrated) peat, and put in 30-60 litre containers which allow gas exchange, which is usually ensured by a tube with perforated sides (with a diameter of 10 cm, and a height the same as that of the container) placed vertically in the centre. The container should then be partly closed with a sheet of resistant but porous paper, on which to place the lid. Before planting the acorns which have been stored in this way, it is a good idea to soak them in water to restore the right water level and to separate the unviable seeds and various impurities. The different seeds respond in different ways to this method of storage, for example, Q. pubescens gives less satisfactory results. In some cases, especially if storing conditions are not optimal, there is a reduction in the vitality of the seedlings obtained from acorns kept for more than 2 years.
Quercus borealis Michx. (Fagaceae) See Q. rubra.
(Fagaceae) See Quercus spp.
(Fagaceae) See Quercus spp.
Quercus pedunculata Ehrh. (Fagaceae) See Quercus spp.  Acorns of Quercus pedunculata
Quercus pubescens Willd. pubescent oak (Fagaceae) See Quercus spp.
Quercus robur L. subsp. common oak (Fagaceae) See Q. pedunculata.
Quercus rubra L. (Fagaceae) See Quercus spp.
(Fagaceae) See Quercus spp.
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