How to Propagate a Japanese Maple Tree

Japanese maples are sturdy plants that grow 15 feet to 25 feet in height with purplish and golden leaves at certain times in the year. These plants flourish in partial sun with moist, well-drained soil. These plants can be fairly difficult to propagate on your own, but it can be done. You can propagate your Japanese maple tree in the fall through planting seeds. It takes a few steps to do this, but anyone should able to complete it with a few basic materials.

Things You'll Need

• Cup
• Plastic bag
• Peat moss
• Refrigerator
• Top soil
• Hoe

Instructions

1. Collect the Japanese maple seeds after they have fallen from the tree and turned brown. Break off the covering on the outside of the seeds with your hands.

2. Place the seeds in a cup of hot tap water and soak them for 24 hours, which will soften the outer layer of the seed.

3. Put the seeds in a plastic bag with peat moss. Store them in room temperature for 90 days and move them to a refrigerator for 70 days. Check the seeds routinely to see if they are dry. Give them a little water if they need it.

4. Check to see if the seeds are developing sprouts after 210 days. If more than 10 percent have sprouted, plant them outside right away. If not, wait until they have begun to sprout before you plant them. Make sure the threat of frost has passed.

5. Plant the seeds in a partially shady area in a raised bed of topsoil and scatter the seeds on top of the soil. Place 1/8 inch of topsoil over the seeds. Make sure you do not plant them too far under the soil. Keep them well watered, but do not let the soil get soggy. It may take several years before the tree matures.

References

• Propagate a Japanese Maple Tree
• Propagating Flowering Dogwoods and Japanese Maple Trees from Seeds
• Japanese Maple