Acorn Hunting Guide

Timing is everything when it comes to finding healthy, viable acorns. Late September and early October are the perfect time to take a walk around your neighborhood or local park and harvest acorns.

Below is a helpful list of tips so you're prepared to collect acorns year after year!

• Avoid acorns with holes: These are often signs that a weevil has burrowed inside, making the acorn non-viable.
• Identify the oak species: Take a leaf from the tree where you collect acorns and snap a photo of the tree itself.
• Use the float test at home: Fill a container with water and drop your acorns in. Any that float should be discarded. For the ones that sink, double-check for holes or damage before keeping them.
• How to store acorns over winter: Label your acorns by species and place in a sealed Ziploc bag with a damp paper towel; store them in the refrigerator at 34–40°F. This cold stratification is necessary for germination in spring.
• White Oak acorns germinate in the fall: You can either plant healthy White Oak acorns this fall or store them with your other species in the fridge. All acorns should remain refrigerated until February or March.

Read more helpful tips for collecting acorns!