Question
Dear Mike,

I have collected some seeds from an Acer tree growing in an ornamental garden in the UK. I also have a couple of small Acers in pots that were purchased and one of these has produced some seeds.
Can you advise me the best way to try and propogate these as I have never tried this before.

Thanks in advance

Dave (Dunstable, UK)  

Answer
Dave, propagation from seed is a relatively easy process.  Place the seeds in a ziplock bag and store them in the back of your refrigerator in a plastic container. Just be sure the seeds are completely dried. After a dormant period of at least three months, the seeds can be planted.

Once you are ready to plant, fill a 10" pot with a good potting soil mix.  Water the soil thoroughly. Sow the seeds no deeper than 3" their diameter.  Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture.  Once the seed germinates, remove the bag and place the pot directly under fluorescent lighting, or in an east window of your house. Keep the soil moist at all times, especially during the first six months.

Once the plant is firmly established and large enough to transplant, slowly acclimate the plant to the outdoors by placing it in a protected, semi-shaded area for a week.  A front porch is an ideal location if covered.  After one week, move the plant into a sunny location where it will completely harden-off.  Once this two week period is complete, you can transplant it wherever you choose.

Although this process will work with any plant, including annuals and perennials, one word of caution.  If you are saving seeds from hybrids, there is a strong probability that the offspring plants will not be true to the parent plant.  To ensure exact replication, seeds must be harvested from open-pollinated varieties or heirlooms.  This should not be a problem, however, with the Acer tree.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike