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Fresh Oak Acorns & Seeds

Fresh-harvested acorns and oak seeds from verified parent trees in southern Michigan. Available September through November each year. Ships across the United States. Interested in international seed orders? Contact us to discuss options.

Fresh oak acorns scattered on autumn forest floor

Why Buy Acorns from Jeff's Nursery?

Verified Provenance

Every acorn comes from documented parent trees on our Michigan property with GPS coordinates recorded. You receive not just seeds, but documented genetics you can trace to their source tree. This is invaluable for restoration ecologists, serious collectors, and anyone who cares about where their plants come from.

Peak Viability

Our acorns are fresh-harvested and shipped within days of collection — not stored for months in a warehouse. This means maximum germination rates and vigor. We harvest selectively for size and soundness, rejecting any acorns with insect damage or defects.

Documented Hardiness

All acorns come from trees thriving in USDA Zone 5b/6a hardiness conditions. This means the genetics have been proven to handle extreme cold, short growing seasons, and stress — ideal for northern gardeners and challenging climates.

Ships Across the United States

We handle all documentation and packaging for safe delivery. Whether you're in the North, South, East, or West, your acorns arrive fresh and ready to plant. Interested in international orders? Contact us to discuss options.

Available Acorns & Seeds

Mature bur oak acorns with distinctive fringed mossy cap on ground

Quercus macrocarpa

Bur Oak Acorns

The largest acorns and most cold-hardy oak species. Distinctive fringed cap covers half the acorn. Ideal for collectors, bonsai, and cold-climate restoration.

Hardiness:
Zones 3–9
Price:
$12–18 per packet
Quantity:
Approximately 10 acorns per packet
Availability:
Coming soon
📦 Ships across the US
Quercus alba white oak acorns with elongated shape and bumpy cap, studio detail

Quercus alba

White Oak Acorns

Classic oak, prized for bonsai and long-term landscape use. Mature in one year. Elegant form and exceptional longevity. The iconic American oak of tradition and literature.

Hardiness:
Zones 3–9
Price:
$14–20 per packet
Quantity:
Approximately 10 acorns per packet
Availability:
Coming soon
📦 Ships across the US
Quercus bicolor swamp white oak acorn developing on branch with distinctive leaves

Quercus bicolor

Swamp White Oak Acorns

Acorns on distinctive long stalks (peduncles). Excellent for moist sites. Elegant, upright form with pale-backed foliage. Underutilized in cultivation but highly ornamental.

Hardiness:
Zones 4–8
Price:
$12–18 per packet
Quantity:
Approximately 10 acorns per packet
Availability:
Coming soon
📦 Ships across the US
Quercus muehlenbergii chinkapin oak acorns showing cap detail and nut from multiple angles

Quercus muehlenbergii

Chinkapin Oak Acorns

Smaller oak with chestnut-like foliage. Sweet acorns. Naturally compact size ideal for container growing and bonsai. Golden fall color. Underutilized species with tremendous character.

Hardiness:
Zones 4–8
Price:
$14–20 per packet
Quantity:
Approximately 10 acorns per packet
Availability:
Coming soon
📦 Ships across the US
Quercus rubra red oak acorn on branch with distinctive pointed-lobe leaf

Quercus rubra

Red Oak Acorns

Fast-growing, vigorous species with bold foliage and dramatic crimson fall color. Acorns mature in two years. Best for rapid bonsai development and large-scale landscapes.

Hardiness:
Zones 3–9
Price:
$10–16 per packet
Quantity:
Approximately 10 acorns per packet
Availability:
Coming soon
📦 Ships across the US

Bulk Orders Available

For restoration projects, large collections, or landscape-scale plantings, we offer bulk quantities of 50 and 100 acorns at discounted rates. Contact us for bulk pricing and custom orders.

Request Bulk Quote

How to Handle Your Acorns

Upon Arrival

Open your package immediately. Acorns should be moist and firm. Discard any soft or moldy acorns. Store the remainder in a cool location (40–50°F) in a sealed plastic bag with slightly damp sand or peat moss. Do not let them dry out.

Stratification (Winter Pre-Treatment)

For spring planting, mix acorns with moist sand in a sealed bag and refrigerate for 30–60 days. Some species germinate in the bag itself — this is normal and good. For fall planting, direct-sow outside without pre-treatment.

Germination

After stratification, plant acorns 1–2 inches deep in well-draining potting mix. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 2–4 weeks of warm weather. Most acorns will germinate within a few months.

Early Growth

Once sprouted, oak seedlings need bright light and consistent moisture. Do not fertilize heavily in the first year — oaks are adapted to nutrient-poor soils. Transplant to individual containers once the first true leaf appears.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stratify oak acorns?

Most oak acorns require cold stratification to germinate. Mix acorns with moist sand or peat moss in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate for 30–60 days. Some species like Bur Oak may germinate in the bag itself — this is a good sign. Plant acorns outside in fall directly (no stratification needed), or use the refrigeration method for spring planting.

How many acorns per packet?

Standard packets contain 10 fresh acorns, carefully selected for size and viability. We also offer bulk quantities of 50 and 100 acorns for larger projects, restoration work, and commercial growers. Contact us for bulk pricing.

Can you ship acorns internationally?

We're exploring international shipping options. Contact us to discuss your needs and we'll work with you on what's possible.

How fresh are the acorns?

All acorns are harvested fresh each fall from our Michigan property. They are packed and shipped within days of collection to maximize viability and germination rates. Unlike older seed catalogs that store acorns for months, we ship the freshest possible stock.

Which oak species is best for bonsai?

Quercus macrocarpa (Bur Oak) and Quercus alba (White Oak) are considered the classic bonsai oaks, prized for fine ramification, longevity, and elegant form. Quercus muehlenbergii (Chinkapin Oak) is excellent for smaller bonsai due to its naturally smaller stature and fine leaves. All five species can be grown as bonsai, but these three are most popular among practitioners.

Get Your Acorns This Fall

Fresh-harvested from our verified parent trees. All five oak species available September through November. Ships internationally with full documentation.

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