Acorn to Oak Tree Contest Rules Discussion

[Mikecheck123]

We would have to build/develop small trees if we're working within a ten-year timeframe, and they'll still have some wounds in need of further healing at the end of the contest, but a fifteen- to twenty-year timeframe just seems too long for a contest (although I am doing a twenty-seven-year nebari challenge as a bit). It should be doable to develop a tree in ten years, even if it isn't highly refined and ready for the National Show.

Like the six-year JBP contest, I think the idea would be to push to see what we can accomplish in a timeframe that's very short for deciduous trees. Ten years from seed seems like the shortest plausible timeframe.

I plan to sow about five pounds of acorns this fall. Healthy acorns have a very high germination rate, so I hope to have an enormous number of oak trees. I'll select the ones I like best for this contest and develop them for a few years into pre-bonsai. From there, I'll whittle it down to a couple of trees to be likely final contest submissions, and I'll work on developing them from pre-bonsai into bonsai. I'll probably continue growing the other choice trees into larger pre-bonsai for my own enjoyment outside the contest.

Most of us will be dead in 15 years.

 

[Gabler]

Most of us will be dead in 15 years.

It's just ten years, not fifteen, though I'll concede that it's still a long time relative to the human lifespan.

Also, is that a comment about the average age of the users of this website or an eschatological prediction? Or maybe it was a threat?

 

[RJG2]

Or maybe it was a threat?

Cry for help?

 

[Yamabudoudanshi]

I hope I make it to 43.
The future isn't promised I suppose.

 

[rollwithak]

I just rooted cork oaks this spring, can I use those?

 

[KateM]

It's just ten years, not fifteen, though I'll concede that it's still a long time relative to the human lifespan.

Also, is that a comment about the average age of the users of this website or an eschatological prediction? Or maybe it was a threat?

I think it's a testimony to the demographics of this forum. I am hoping to be alive in 10 years, but will I remember what's started 10 years ago?..

 

[Gabler]

I just rooted cork oaks this spring, can I use those?

That's impressive, but no.

I've never managed to root an oak cutting or air layer. How did you do it?

 

[ShimpakuBonsai]

Last Saturday I went to the forest trying to hear and see the rut of the red deer (I used Google translate for this).
While walking through the forest I could have taken thousands of acorns but I decided not to.
I like a challenge but I don't have the time growing an Oak tree from seed.

Best of luck with this contest for all of you who will participate.

 

[Esolin]

I'm in. I plan to collect some cork oak acorns from a local park this winter. I'll use those.

 

[BonsaiRae]

I like the diversity of Bonsai and all they ways to achieve tiny trees living with us. So, I am collecting acorns to join in the fun. I do have a question... Can I let the squirrels plant them or do I really have to? I mean they seem to be the local experts.

 

[Gabler]

I like the diversity of Bonsai and all they ways to achieve tiny trees living with us. So, I am collecting acorns to join in the fun. I do have a question... Can I let the squirrels plant them or do I really have to? I mean they seem to be the local experts.

I guess it doesn't give you any measurable advantage, provided the acorns germinate after the contest starts. That said, I think part of the fun is in planting them yourself. Feel free to use acorns planted by squirrels, but know you're missing part of the fun.

 

[Maiden69]

Cork oak acorns arrive today, and the live oaks at work are dropping acorns now like... well, they are dropping acorns so I will be collecting a few of them as well. Not even going to attempt the large leaf oaks, love them in the landscape but not worth my time because of the huge leaves.

I guess it doesn't give you any measurable advantage, provided the acorns germinate after the contest starts. That said, I think part of the fun is in planting them yourself. Feel free to use acorns planted by squirrels, but know you're missing part of the fun.

I think if someone has an indoor set up, they could start the process to germinate them now... will save a few months so I don't know if it would even be worth the work.

 

[August]

Hey @Gabler ; I'm planning on doing some collecting (I already have one bur oak acorn I got from a street tree) but I am considering buying some seeds online. My question is, do our oak seeds *have* to be intact acorns or is there place in the oak genus enough? Do we have to sow them as acorns too? Sorry if this is a stupid question, I've obviously never sowed oaks before!

 

[Gabler]

Hey @Gabler ; I'm planning on doing some collecting (I already have one bur oak acorn I got from a street tree) but I am considering buying some seeds online. My question is, do our oak seeds *have* to be intact acorns or is there place in the oak genus enough? Do we have to sow them as acorns too? Sorry if this is a stupid question, I've obviously never sowed oaks before!

Can you give an example?

 

[August]

Can you give an example?

Nevermind; I had some concept in my head that acorns are a protective covering over a seed. After some research it looks like the acorns *are* the seed? I was under the impression that if I bought oak seeds on, say, Sheffield's, that they would have come acorn-less, so to speak

 

[hardtimes]

anyone know where i can get acorns near long beach CA? i never paid much attention to trees before this hobby

 

[papkey5]

I'm game. I have started English Oaks. 30 in pots and about 20 sown into the ground.

 

[bluone23]

Got 10 acorns from this bad boy, when do we start ?

 

[thatdirtykid]

anyone know where i can get acorns near long beach CA? i never paid much attention to trees before this hobby

Long beach may be the only place in the world other than here in CO I can definitively from experience tell someone where to find oak trees. Eldorado Nature area has a lot of coast live oak and eldorado disc golf course has a few as well. (I know cause I paid attention to trees as a part of another hobby which brought me to Long beach way back in 06)

 

[Gabler]

Got 10 acorns from this bad boy, when do we start ?
View attachment 512790

Plant your acorns whenever. I'm still not sure how to get a special sub-forum started for a contest, so we'll start our threads whenever I figure that out.