Collect fresh acorns from the ground as soon as they fall
Choose acorns that are brown, firm, and free of holes or cracks
Remove caps and discard damaged or lightweight acorns
Test viability by placing acorns in water and keeping the ones that sink
Rinse the acorns and let them dry briefly
Place acorns in a sealed bag or container with slightly damp peat moss, vermiculite, or paper towels
Store them in the refrigerator at 34–40°F
Check periodically to keep the medium slightly moist, not wet
Wait for roots to emerge during cold stratification
Plant sprouted acorns in pots or directly outdoors with the root pointing down
Cover with about 1 inch of soil
Keep the soil moist and place in a cool, protected location
Transplant seedlings after they develop strong roots and leaves