How to Germinate Hickory Nuts
- 1). Gather hickory nuts when they fall to the ground in the fall. Peel them out of their outer shell, or fruit, with your fingers. Put them in a bowl of water and let them soak for a few days.
- 2). Fill medium sized flowerpots with potting soil and moisten it. Push the hickory nuts into the soil, about 2 inches deep. Cover with soil and tamp down. Plant only one seed per pot.
- 3). Place each pot in a clear plastic bag, seal it with a twist tie and place in the refrigerator. Refrigerate for 90 to 120 days. The cold of the fridge and the trapped moisture in the bag will mimic winter conditions.
- 4). Remove pots from the refrigerator after the cold stratification period. Remove them from the plastic bags and place outdoors in a sunny spot. Water periodically, when the soil dries out. Seeds will germinate when outdoor temperatures rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
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