Acer palmatum, commonly known as Japanese maple, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Japan and East Asia with stunning palmate leaves. Seeds exhibit deep dormancy requiring stratification treatment to overcome dormancy and achieve germination. This species is valued for its diverse cultivars and beautiful autumn coloration.
Before sowing
For dried seeds, warm stratify at 20°C for 17 weeks, then cold stratify at 4°C for 17 weeks. For fresh seeds, may require only 60-90 days cold stratification after soaking
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Use a 50/50 peat and sharp sand mixture for best drainage. Keep substrate moist but not waterlogged during stratification. Sow seeds 3/8 inch deep, tamp soil lightly, and apply mulch. Protect seedlings from intense direct sun initially. Do not fertilize for the first few months after germination. Multiple seeds may germinate over 2-3 years; ungerminated seeds can be re-stratified. Check regularly during cold stratification as seeds may germinate in the refrigerator.
Sources: Tree Seed Online, Gardening Know How, Dear Plants, Sheffield Seed Company, Fujiyama Garden
