Japanese Maple

specialk142

Hi
somewhere is read that my japanese maple seeds can take up to 2 years to germinate. Is there a way to ensure germination in somewhat less time??

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TreeBay

Hi specialK, welcome to the forum!

You'll find some info on Japanese Maple propagation in the FAQ board below.

Stratifying the seed by storing it over the winter in your refrigerator will increase the yield. You'll probably get at least a 50% yield anyway.

Not that all the seeds will germinate at exactly the same time no matter what treatment they are given. It's almost as if some are "programmed" for delayed germination to increase the odds that a few will survive any unforeseen environmental calamity.

So plant twice as many as you need!

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brianhow

I have a question concerning stratifying jap. maple seeds in the fridge. Should you put them in a baggie with peat moss or sand or both and should the baggie have holes or not?

Guess that was two questions,

Thanks,

Brian

TreeBay

Hi Brian,

here are some links on seed stratification. I think the ziplock bag in the fridge is probably the easiest approach with Japanese maple seed. Wrap the seed in a *slightly* damp paper towel. Put it in the fridge for about 3 months at 40 degrees or so (not freezing) then plant the seed about 1/2 to 1 inch deep in a sterile potting soil mixed with some sand for drainage.

http://www.saskpower.com/shandgreen...html/treat.html

http://ag.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/h...esfromseed.html

http://www.ent.iastate.edu/ipm/hort...rmtreeseed.html

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ripsgreentree

I hate to be the spoon in the pot but the thing that I have found that reduces the odds of germination on japanese maple is that people feel that they have to cover them when they plant them. with green mountian maple or any other Japanese maple cultivar your success depends on not covering the seeds.
Here is my technique for germinating maple seeds. First prepair a deep seed box at lest three inches use good well draning bonsai soil then cover this soil with 1/2 inch of good fine humis, I use a fine redwood humis sifted 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
collect seeds and store dry in a paper bag in the refrigerator until febuary. Soak seeds in water for two days and then spread on top of the humis in the seed box that you have prepaired. Remember do not cover the seeds. keep the seed box in the shade and keep moist not wet. If you watch you will see that a little white root will extend out of the end of the seed and then dive down into the humis, and then the seed pod will lift up split and you will get your first set of leaves. Watch for slugs and snails because they love to eat new seedlings. When your seedlings are about six inches tall you can repot them into four inch pots. Maples love water and are suseptable to sunburn so protect with shade cloth. Don't forget to feed them.

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ripsgreentree

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brianhow

So would you suggest using a grow light for my climate? Im in Kansas City. They would freeze in Feb!! Or would you keep them in the fridge longer?