English Oak — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Quercus robur |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–30 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 7.2–18.3 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1095–2190 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 762–1524 |
| Mature height (cm) | 914.4–1828.8 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 762–1524 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–8 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Plant acorns immediately after collection in fall in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral, deep fertile to average loamy soil in full sun; English oak is the archetypal oak of European culture — the 'royal oak,' the great forest tree of England, the sacred tree of the Celts — producing the classic, deeply lobed oak leaf and small, elongated acorns held on distinctive long stalks (peduncles, giving the alternate common name 'pedunculate oak'). English oak has been planted throughout North America in parks, estates, and arboreta for centuries, developing into magnificent specimens in suitable climates. It is more tolerant of clay soils and seasonal wetness than most American oaks. The acorns are consumed by squirrels, jays, deer, and other wildlife. Many cultivated varieties exist, including the fastigiate (columnar) 'Fastigiata' or 'Skyrocket' forms widely used in street tree plantings. A very long-lived tree — English oaks commonly reach 500–800 years of age, and individual trees are counted among the oldest living things in Europe.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0