How to Germinate Maple Tree Seeds

Edited by Ken Alston, Peter, Lois Wade, ShrUtiable and 4 others

The real "secret" to germinating maple tree seeds is to use fresh seeds. In this article we’ll reveal to you the tips we use to guarantee virtual 100% germination rates.

EditSteps

1
Get fresh, new season seeds either by picking them up off the ground under a tree or purchasing them online.

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2
Allow the seeds to stratify. Stratification is the scientific term used to describe allowing the seed to experience an extended period of cold for at least 90-120 days – as if the seed has been through a winter period after falling naturally off the tree.
3
Store them in a zipper bag for at least 90-120 days in the refrigerator.
4
Look at the seeds from time to time and make sure they are not becoming dry. If needed, add a drop or two of water, every few weeks, so that the seeds do not dry out.
5
If you see mold develop, use a fungicide very sparingly, following the manufacturer's directions, or a weak solution of bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water)
6
At the end of the period of cold storage, the seeds should germinate naturally in the zipper bag in the fridge.
7
Transplant the seedlings as they germinate, planting the emerging rootlet in a seed compost. A coir (coconut husk) growing medium works well.
8
An alternative method is to plant the seeds in a pot immediately after they fall from the tree. Use approximately ten seeds in a 25 cm pot. This is because not all of them will sprout. Leave the pot in an area where it will get normal rainfall and snowfall. If it starts to get too dry you may want to water it. That fall or the next spring you should have some seedlings sprout.

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EditVideo

EditTips

Use a zipper bag to store your seeds and take a look at them from time to time. Shake them up to keep aerated and fresh. if it looks like they are drying out add a drop or two of water, don't over wet them or they could go moldy.

EditThings You'll Need

Fresh new season Japanese maple seeds.
Zipper bag
Refrigerator
90-120 days of time in the cooler

EditSources and Citations

How To Grow The Ultimate Japanese Maple Tree by Ken Alston

Article Info

Categories: Nuts and Seeds

Recent edits by: BR, Teresa, Tryme2

In other languages:

Español: Cómo germinar las semillas del arce

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 46,158 times.

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