Growing Japanese Red Maples from Seeds

Growing Japanese Red Maples from Seeds

Given the fact that Japanese maples are incredibly expensive, It is not surprising that, like me, you may have an interest in propagating them yourself. Unfortunately while it looks like growing trees from seed (given proper stratification) and getting them as seedlings from the base of trees is not too difficult, there is a problem with the cultivars breeding true. I probably have 50 or so of these trees that were grown from seed and all of them are beautiful. I love them all whether seedling or grafted variety. They are all strikingly beautiful.

 If your Japanese Red Maple seeds arrive to you with the wing still attached to the seed and you live between Zones 4-9, then your seeds are ready for planting.  It is suggested that you plant the seeds outside shortly after they arrive.  If you cannot plant them right a way, then keep them in the Ziploc bag they were shipped in and store them in the refrigerator.  It is essential that you plant the seeds outside as soon as possible.  This will allow Mother Nature to stratify your seeds naturally. Prepare a seed bed outside using any ordinary store bought potting soil or good garden soil.  Even if the ground is frozen or you have snow on the ground, your seeds will be fine.  Plant the seeds no deeper than twice the diameter of the seed.  Don’t over crowd the seed because if planted too close, they may “damp-off” (the principle killer of young seedlings).  Once the springtime comes and the soil thaws out, you will need to keep the seedbed moist.  A plastic tent covering on the seedbed is always beneficial because it is very important to keep the humidity high.  After the seeds have germinated for a couple of weeks, remove the plastic covering.  The seedlings can now be cared for in the same way as all adult Japanese Maple Trees.  These deciduous trees are hardy between Zones 4-9.

If your Japanese Red Maple seeds are shipped to you de-winged or you live between Zones 8-9, then do the following:  The seeds should be placed in warm water as soon as they arrive.  Heat 1 –2 cups of water to approximately 120 - 150 degrees F, but not boiling.  Pour the water into a thermos or a cooler or anything that will keep the heat in.  Place the seeds into the water and allow them to soak for 24 hours.  After 24 hours, use a strainer to drain the water and separate the seeds.  Place seeds in a cup with household peroxide for 2 hours. Rinse. The seeds should now be placed into a Ziploc bag containing a handful of peat moss or potting soil.  Mix the seeds with the peat moss or soil.  The seeds in the Ziploc should be damp, but not wet.  Place the Ziploc into your refrigerator.  The seed should be kept in the refrigerator for 90-150 days.  This is called moist stratification.  When it is convenient, take the seeds out of the refrigerator and plant them either indoors or outdoors.  Plant the seeds no deeper than twice the diameter of the seed.  Don’t over crowd the seed because if planted too close, they may “damp-off” (the principle killer of young seedlings).  Whether indoors or outdoors, the soil to be used should be kept damp but not soaking wet.  A plastic tent covering on the seedbed is always beneficial because it is very important to keep the humidity high.  After the seeds have germinated for a couple of weeks, remove the plastic covering.  The seedlings can now be cared for in the same way as all adult Japanese Maple Trees. 

Go out there and get started now.