Germinate Tree Seeds

Growing a tree from seeds was always difficult... Until now! Learn how to germinate tree seeds in several easy steps.

Steps

  1. Note that this article explains how specifically to germinate Japanese maple seeds. For other trees, the germination process doesn't change much. Steps 3 through 14 are part of a process called forced germination. It tricks your seeds into feeling changes of season. If you would like to germinate your seeds naturally, skip steps 3 through 14 and sow your seeds outside in fall. You should have sprouts in the spring
  2. Collect seeds when they ripen in October to November. They are ripe when brown and are easily taken off the tree.
  3. Break seed pods in half and carefully separate the seed from the wing
  4. Store your seeds in a cool dry place until you are ready for them. If you are planning to plant your seeds outside right away, you should wait until May 15th if you live up north, otherwise you can plant sooner. Because steps before planting take 90 days, (you only do a few days of work) you should store seeds until about February 15th, (If you plan to plant outside immediately) then follow the steps below.
  5. Prepare the following materials before you proceed
    • A container that can hold hot water and all of your seeds
    • Your seeds
    • Warm or hot (not boiling) water (this is the summer part)
  6. Place the collected seeds in your container and pour the hot water over them. At this stage, it doesn't matter whether they sink or float.
  7. Wait 24 to 48 hours and dispose of any floating seeds as they are empty and useless. You may replace the water after 24 hours with more warm or hot water and wait another day if desired.
  8. Drain the water from the container but make sure to take out the seeds first!
  9. Prepare the following materials before you proceed.
    • A plastic sandwich bag
    • Paper Towel
    • Tap Water
    • You will need access to a refrigerator (this is the winter part).
  10. Fold the paper towel and moisten it with water so it is wet, but not dripping.
  11. Place your seeds on the paper towel.
  12. Insert the paper towel into the plastic sandwich bag.
  13. Place the plastic sandwich bag in your refrigerator.
  14. Check your seeds once every month to make sure they aren't rotting.
  15. Take your seeds out of the refrigerator after three months or 90 days.
  16. Sow your seeds inside or out by digging a little hole half an inch deep and covering them with a quarter inch of soil. Make sure your future trees have room to grow until you replant them. (If you replant them)
  17. Watch and wait! Some seeds will sprout, others won't. Good Luck!

Tips

  • If you are germinating a seed that is a berry or from a fruit, you should (if possible) remove the fruit or dry it out as it will later cause your tree to rot.
  • Use several seeds because not all of the seeds will sprout.
  • Be patient.
  • Sow your seeds in the early spring or early to mid fall, as the stress of heat may kill them. If you plant in the fall, you will not see much growth above ground, but your seedling will be strengthening its roots. If you plant in the spring, your seedling will have a whole growing season ahead of them.

Warnings

  • Only plant your trees outside when there is no longer danger of frost
  • Process takes at least 90 days (plus time it takes for your seed to sprout)
  • Handle tree with care, remember that it is a living thing and can tolerate only so much mistreatment
  • Be careful not to under-water or over-water

Things You'll Need

  • Tap Water
  • Paper Towel
  • Container big enough for your seeds
  • Refrigerator

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