Some cold stratification help

jwrivers

Hello BTalkers

This is my first winter as a Bonsai Fan and I have started several different types of trees from seeds (yes, I am crazy, I'm hooked) and everything seems to be going ok. To my surprise I have some seeds that are starting to sprout already. The Japanese and Tatarian Maple seeds. They have only been cold strating in my fridge for 2 months and all the info I have read says they should strat for 120 days which would not be until May.

Here is my question: What do I do?!!?

Do I leave them alone and wait?
Do I plant them and put them outside.( I live in northeastern Ohio)
Do plant them and put them under lights?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

John

Attached Images

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waltr

Once they sprout they should be planted. They will be popping leaves that need light and air.
If you are still having sub-freezing temperatures I'd keep them inside until the maples in your area start to leave out. Under lights will be ok.
Do be sure that there is some air circulation to prevent 'Damp-off'.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

walt

bisjoe

If you can, keep them outside when above 40 or so, bring in at night to be safe. that way you won't have to do as much hardening off later. They can also get cooked from too much direct sun, so place where they get morning sun only or filtered sun.