Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) seeds

Hardy Tree (Protect from frost for first couple of winters)
Height: to 5m if not pruned back
Position: Sun or semi-shade, well-drained soil (acid soil for the best autumn colours) and away from strong winds.

Packet of 25 or 100 seeds

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.