Important Tips on Growing Seed

      Unlike most seed the Ozark Chinquapin put down a taproot in the fall of the year similar to what a white oak acorn does in the fall of the year.  Because of this seed collected in the fall of the year and planted the following spring often will not germinate.  You can simulate conditions in the outdoors by placing the seed in a sealable plastic bag and add moistened peat moss (damp not wet) and place it in your refrigerator's crisper.  The seed will eventually sprout a root in 2-4 months depending upon temperature (ideal temperature is between 34-40 degrees F).  This method assures good seedling development.   

Planting Seed

      You can put your seed in a long pot (to allow for the long tap-root) or plant them in the ground as soon as the threat of frost has passed.  Rooted seed can be paced in a pot with a mixture of 30% vermiculite and 70% potting soil to allow for good root drainage.  It is critical to the survival of your tree when planting your seed or seedlings to make sure the taproot is not in any way damaged.  If it is damaged the tree will produce a shallow root system and will die when dry late summer conditions occur.

Planting Location

      Select a planting location that is full sun and has good drainage.  Rocky dry poor soil that has a slope is an ideal location.  However, the trees can grow in a variety of locations as long as there is good drainage for the root system.  The roots cannot tolerate any standing water. 

Protection

      Squirrels, mice, chipmunks, and a host of other animals will attempt to pull the still attached nut from the plant if they can get to it.  This will eventually cause the plant to die.  For this reason a grow tube (tubex tree shelter 4') is highly recommended.  The grow tube will accelerate tree growth and protect it from browsing deer as well.

      Under good conditions your tree will start to produce nuts in 4-6 years.  Ozark Chinquapins are not self-pollinating and it will need another tree to pollinate with.

Stephen Bost

Sprouted seed ready to be place in containers.

Emerging Ozark Chinquapin seedling.

Root stock showing the lengthy tap root system visible on 2005 seedling.

Jerry holding a container with a plant he successfully transplanted from southern Missouri seed.