Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) seeds

Unusual in the UK, this maple is native to Eastern North America where it is much prized for its fantastic autumn colours and is a major source of Maple Syrup. The leaves emerge bright green in spring and turn delightful shades of gold, orange, scarlet and crimson in autumn. The more acidic the soil, the more intense the autumn colours will be.

Hardy Tree
Flowers: Yellow-green in spring on mature trees
Height: Very slow growing to 20m
Position: Full sun in any reasonable soil

Packet of 20 seeds

RHS Plants for Pollinators. 

The RHS Plants for Pollinators mark is only given to plants that support pollinating insects. Find out more at rhs.org.uk/plantsforpollinators

GROWING GUIDE

These seeds have a double dormancy and need warm & cold treatment before they will germinate.  This can be done outdoors over winter or indoors at any time of year.

• Soak seeds for 24 hours.
• Mix compost 50:50 with vermiculite or perlite, then water until just moist.
• Sow seeds very thinly on the surface and cover with a sprinkling of compost, vermiculite or perlite, then seal inside a polythene bag.

Outdoors - September to January

• Place pots in a sheltered spot, coldframe or unheated greenhouse and cover with a clear bag or glass to keep the critters out.
• Check regularly to make sure the compost does not dry out.
• The seedlings will emerge in spring when the weather warms up.

Indoors - Anytime

• Keep seeds at 18-21C for 8 weeks on a windowsill or in a propagator.
• Check regularly to make sure the compost does not dry out.
• If any seed germinate during this time, pot up seedlings as below.
• After 8 weeks, move to the fridge for a further 8 weeks, then move back to the windowsill or propagator.
• Germination can be slow and erratic and may take a few months.

• When the seedlings emerge, increase ventilation by opening the bag or propagator vents.
• When they are large enough to handle, transplant into 7-9cm pots and grow on, repotting as needed.
• Indoor grown seedlings can be moved outside in spring once all risk of frost has passed. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions by placing them outdoors during the day for a week or so.
• When mature enough, plant out in the garden in their final position.