Most Japanese Maple seeds ripen in the fall. Watch the
tree and wait for the seeds to turn brown. The seeds are ready
to be harvested when they are brown and can be easily removed
from the tree. The seeds are attached to a wing, it's best to
break the wing off before storing or planting the seeds.
Japanese Maple seeds have a very hard outer coating as
do many ornamental plants. Under natural conditions the seeds
would have to be on the ground for almost two years before they
would germinate. All that happens the first winter is the
moisture softens the hard outer shell, and the second winter
germination is beginning to take place. In order for all of
this to happen in the proper sequence so the seedlings actually
sprout at a time of the year when freezing temperatures or hot
summer sun doesn't kill them, takes a tremendous amount of
luck. You can improve the odds by controlling some of these
conditions, and shorten the cycle.
Once you have picked the seeds and removed the wing
just place them in a paper bag and store them in a cool dry
place until you are ready for them. You don't want to plant
your seeds out in the spring until the danger of frost has
past, here in the north May 15th is a safe bet. If May 15th is
your target date you should count backwards on the calendar 100
days. That will take you to about February 5th if my math is
correct.
On or about the 100th day prior to your target planting
date, take the seeds and place them in a Styrofoam cup or other
container that will withstand some hot water. Draw warm to hot
water from your kitchen faucet and pour it over the seeds.
Most of the seeds will float, just leave them in the water
overnight as the water cools down. 24 hours later most of the
seeds will have settled to the bottom of the cup, drain off the
water. Place the seeds in a plastic bag with a mixture of sand
and peat or other suitable mix. Even light potting soil will
work. The peat or soil should be moist, but not soaking wet.
Poke some holes in the bag so there is some air circulation,
and place the bag in your refrigerator for a period of 100 days.
After 100 days you can plant the seeds outside. If you
have timed it correctly, you should be at or close to your
target planting date. To plant the seeds just sow them on top
of a bed of well drained topsoil or sterilized potting soil,
and cover with approximately 3/8" of soil. Water them
thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out completely before
watering thoroughly again.
If you water them frequently, not only do you stand a
chance of the seeds rotting from being too wet, but you will
also keep them cool, which will slow down the germination
process. Once they start to germinate provide about 50% shade
to keep the sun from burning them. Snow fence suspended about
30" above the bed will provide about 50% shade.
Japanese Maples will tolerate some shade so it isn't
too important to transplant them too quickly. Depending on how
close together they are, you might be able to leave them in the
same bed for one or two growing seasons. Don't transplant
until they are completely dormant.
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About The Author
If you have questions for Mike McGroarty visit his website,
http://www.freeplants.com and post them on the message board
where you can learn lots of gardening tips and communicate with
other gardeners. While at his website you can learn how to
start your own profitable backyard nursery. If you would like
a copy of Mike's booklet, "The Secret of Growing Landscape
Plants from Scratch", send .00 to: Garden Secrets, P.O. Box
338, Perry, Ohio 44081
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