how do i reproduce japanese maples from the seeds on the tree?
Answers:
I grow maples from seeds, its fairly easy.
First, you collect them toward the end of august or September when they have changed from their red color to brown.
Put then in a zip lock bag until around December.
In December, take the seeds and place them in a cup of hot water and soak for 24 hours. Any seeds that sink are ready to be germinated. Any seeds that are still floating should be re-soaked for another 24 hours in hot water.
The hot water is needed to penetrate the outer coating of the seeds and begin the germination.
For Maples, cold stratification is necessary. For this, place the seeds in damp peat moss in a seal-able bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator for 60 days. This mimics the winter.
check the seeds after about 30 days and check about every 5 days for any that are sprouting (a tap root) . When they have sprouted they should immediately be placed in potting soil about a half -1 inch below the surface.
And that's all.
To avoid fungus, you should put an anti-fungal powder in the peat-moss before placing in the fridge. You can get an anti-fungal powder at most garden stores, but I have found that plain old Ground Cinnamon works very well.
Good luck and enjoy
Other answers:
I would contact a grower on this one but here's my thoughts. Let seeds dry out. get a dinner plate or similar vessel and put one paper towel on it. Spread out seeds on paper towel. Cover with another pc. of paper towel. Moisten with a small amount of water, you don't want to submerge them just moist. Put in a warm, not drafty location and keep moist. I don't know how long it will take for them to germinate. I've done this with a few type of seeds and it takes a week or two. After they germinate I would put them in a STERILE potting medium intended for seed proagation. You can get alot of good seed growing supplies at Park Seeds.com. Look for seed starting link. You might consider getting a starter kit that has a warmer built into it.
I would contact a grower on this one but here's my thoughts. Let seeds dry out. get a dinner plate or similar vessel and put one paper towel on it. Spread out seeds on paper towel. Cover with another pc. of paper towel. Moisten with a small amount of water, you don't want to submerge them just moist. Put in a warm, not drafty location and keep moist. I don't know how long it will take for them to germinate. I've done this with a few type of seeds and it takes a week or two. After they germinate I would put them in a STERILE potting medium intended for seed proagation. You can get alot of good seed growing supplies at Park Seeds.com. Look for seed starting link. You might consider getting a starter kit that has a warmer built into it.