Question
At the end of the season, I collected a bunch of seeds from our japanese maple outside, and I wanted to try and plant them indoors. I left a group of them in the freezer for a month and have planted them, but they're not growing. Ive read a little about stratification, but what exactly does it involve.. something maybe more than just putting them in the freezer? thanks in advance.

Answer
Andrea,

Stratification just means being cold for a time period. They should be in the refrigerator, not the freezer. A friend of mine is an expert at germinating Japanese maple seeds. Following you will find his instructions.

Acer palmatum seed is notorious for germinating sporadically. Germination of Japanese maple seeds (Acer palmatum) is not difficult, but it can be a bit tricky if your wife or husband doesn't let you take over part of the refrigerator!
First of all we soak the seeds in lukewarm (not hot!) water for 48 hours. This softens the seed coat a little. Next we mix the seed with a little damp (not too wet) sphagnum moss or peat and put it in a plastic zipper bag. Leave the seeds in this humid atmosphere for 4-6 weeks at room temperature.

Now comes the tough part - leave the zipper bag in the refrigerator for 60 to 90 days. This is to mimic the natural action of seeds going through a winter season. Technically it is called 'stratification'.

After the 90 days sow in trays or pots filled with a good seed compost. If you have a seed propagator use it or find a warm place to maintain a steady temperature of 65-70F (18-20C)

Cover the seeds to their own depth: ?Inch (6 mm) with seed compost.


Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 2-3 inch pots.

If you have more questions after reading this feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene