How to Grow a Maple Tree from Seed: A Germination Guide

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3 ways to get maple tree seeds to sprout
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There are many species of maple tree and multiple ways to germinate their seeds. Maple trees that drop their seeds in the fall require cold stratification, while those that drop in the spring can be planted directly in the soil. Others require a mix of both warm and cold stratification. In this article, we’ll teach you all 3 methods for germinating maple tree seeds, as well as answer additional questions about the maple growing process.

How do you germinate maple seeds?

Most maple trees drop their seeds in the fall, so they need to be stratified. Place seeds in a resealable bag with moist growing material and store the bag in the fridge at 33.8-41ºF (1–5ºC) for 40-120 days depending on the species. When they begin to sprout, plant them in moist soil.

Section 1 of 4:

Germinating Seeds Using Cold Stratification

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  1. Cold stratification is the process of exposing seeds to cold and moist conditions that emulate winter weather to encourage germination. Many maple trees lie dormant over the winter and germinate as soon as the temperatures warm, so the cold stratification approach produces very high germination rates in these species. [1] This includes sugar maples , bigleaf maples, boxelder maples, Japanese maples, Norway maples, and some red maples.
    • All of these species drop their seeds in autumn or early winter. If your red maple trees drop their seeds in spring or early summer, try germinating them in soil instead.
    • If you’re going to plant your maple seeds outdoors, start this method 90-120 days before the last winter frost.
  2. Place a handful of peat moss , vermiculite , or germination paper in a small, plastic resealable bag. Tiny “snack-sized” bags work best; larger bags trap more air with the seeds, which can lead to fungal problems. For best results, use sterile material and handle it with disposable gloves to avoid introducing fungus. [2]
    • Red maple seeds are sensitive to acidity. For this species, choose vermiculite (a neutral or basic substance) rather than peat moss (acidic). [3]
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  3. Moisture is important to ensure the seeds germinate properly. [4] Add a couple drops of water to the growing material to dampen it slightly. If you see standing water or you can squeeze water out from the material, it is too wet. If you’d like, add a bit of fungicide , as well, to help prevent mold. Fungicide isn’t always necessary and may damage the plant if overused, so add it only in tiny quantities, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Some growers rinse the seeds in very diluted bleach solutions instead of using fungicide.
  4. Place your seeds in the bag, then, starting from the base, roll the bag to expel most of the air and zip it closed. For most species, the ideal stratification temperature is typically around 33.8-41ºF (1–5ºC). The crisper drawer of a refrigerator is usually about this temperature, making it a great place to store your seeds. [5]
    • Ideally, use a thermometer to confirm the correct temperature. Some seeds may fail to germinate if the temperature is just a couple degrees off.
    • If possible, keep boxelder and Norway maple seeds at exactly 41ºF (5ºC), and red maple seeds at exactly 37.4ºF (3ºC). [6] Other species are not as picky.
  5. Most of these maple species take 90–120 days to germinate, but the bigleaf maple and a few others can sprout in as few as 40. Every week or two, check on the bag to see how the seeds are progressing and make adjustments as needed: [7]
    • If you notice condensation, pick up the bag and gently tap it to knock the water droplets off. Lay the bag back down on the opposite side, so the wet seeds have a chance to dry off.
    • If the growing material has dried out, add a drop or 2 of water.
    • If you notice any mold or black spots, remove the affected seed and throw it away. If the whole batch is molding, try a little fungicide.
    • If the seeds have begun to sprout, remove them from the refrigerator.
  6. Once the seeds have germinated, plant them ¼–1 in (0.6–2.5 cm) under moist soil. Most maples do well in partial shade, but look up the exact species for more specific information about planting conditions. [8]
    • To increase the odds of survival, start the seedlings in an indoor seed tray instead. Fill the tray with 7.6–10 cm (3–4 inches) of well-draining potting soil, or an even mix of peat moss, rotted compost, vermiculite, and coarse sand. Water whenever the soil becomes completely dry. Transfer to planter pots once the second set of leaves appear.
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Section 2 of 4:

Combining Warm and Cold Stratification

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  1. Vine maple, striped maple, Amur maple, and paperbark maple are all tough to germinate and require extra attention, typically by being exposed to both warm and cold temperatures. This applies to most other species native to Asia, as well as mountain maples and rocky mountain maples. [9]
    • All of the seeds in this category drop in autumn or winter. Left alone in the soil, they can take years to germinate.
  2. Many of these species have an extremely hard hull (pericarp) and need a little help getting started. Growers often “scarify” the hull to greatly improve germination rates. There are a few different scarification methods to try: [10]
    • Rub the base of the seed (opposite the wing) against a nail file or sandpaper. Stop as soon as you break through the hull, barely nicking the seed coat underneath.
    • Soak the seeds in household-strength hydrogen peroxide for several hours, then rinse well.
    • Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
    • All of these methods help weaken or open the hull, allowing the seed to absorb water more quickly.
  3. The US Forest Service recommends keeping most of these maple seeds at 68–86ºF (20–30ºC) for 30-60 days, though some, like the rocky mountain maple, may require up to 180 days. [11] These species have not been studied as thoroughly as other maple species, so exact guidelines may not be available depending on the type of seed you have.
  4. Transfer the seeds to a resealable plastic bag with a small handful of peat moss or other growing material. Store the bag in the refrigerator and check back every couple weeks to look for signs of mold, drying, or sprouting. Rocky mountain seeds ( Acer glabrum ) usually take the full 180 days to germinate. Other species can take as few as 90, but they are unpredictable. [12]
    • Don't expect every seed to sprout. Germination rates as low as 20% are common for these species.
  5. Once your seeds have germinated, start them on an indoor seedling tray, or plant them outside if the last frost has passed. Plant them ¼ to 1 inch (0.6 to 2.5 cm) beneath the soil surface, and water occasionally but deeply, not letting the soil stay dry for long. [13]
    • For more specific information, look up your exact maple species.
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Section 3 of 4:

Germinating Maple Seeds in the Soil

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  1. Silver maples and some red maples (but not Japanese red maples) will drop their seeds early in the growing season. These species do not go dormant, and there is no need for any special treatments, so their seeds can be germinated directly in soil. [14]
    • Some red maple trees will not drop seeds until autumn or winter; these require cold stratification. Even the groves that drop seeds early usually have alternate years of good and bad seed production.
  2. These types of maple seeds will die if they dry out in storage, so plant them shortly after you collect them. Choose moist ground with plenty of leaf litter and other material, and make sure the seeds get plenty of sun, as they don’t typically grow well in shady areas. As long as the soil doesn’t dry out, the seeds will require no maintenance and should germinate quickly. [15]
    • Planting in partial shade may be okay depending on the species. Silver maples grow poorly in shade, while red maples can handle shade for 3-5 years but may have trouble growing if they remain under the canopy past that point. [16]
  3. If some of the seeds fail to germinate, they will often sprout the following year. These are usually a minority of the seeds, but if you haven’t had much success, it could be worth leaving the area untended for a second season. [17]
    • If very few of the seeds germinate and the climate has been fairly typical, the seeds most likely died in storage. Plant a new batch next year rather than waiting.
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Section 4 of 4:

Germinating Maple Tree Seeds FAQs

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  1. Depending on the species, collect maple tree seeds in the spring or fall. Generally, when the seeds are ripe and ready to be germinated, they’ll fall off the tree. In some cases, though, it may be necessary to pluck the seeds from the branches. Most ripe maple tree seeds will appear brown when they’re ready to be picked. [18]
  2. It depends on the species. Any maple tree that drops its seeds in autumn or early winter needs some form of cold stratification to germinate. Trees that drop their seeds in the spring, however, germinate quickly and the seeds can be planted directly in the soil. Be sure to check what kind of seeds you have before stratifying them. [19]
  3. Maple tree seeds may fail to germinate if there is too much or too little water or if the temperature is too high or too low. This is especially true for seeds that germinate through cold stratification, as some types need to be kept at a very precise temperature. Monitor the temperature, soil conditions, and light conditions of your seeds to keep them healthy. [20]
  4. If you’re starting your maple seedlings in a seed tray, something as simple as putting a cover over them can keep pests like green flies and aphids away. If you’re growing your seedlings directly in the ground or if pests attack anyway, spray them lightly with a pesticide. [21]
    • If you don’t want to use pesticides, another option is to mix a bit of dish soap with water and spray the seedlings. This should help keep aphids away.
  5. How fast a maple tree grows depends on its species. Some take up to 30 years to reach maturity, while others take as few as 10. For example, a red maple tree typically grows 10-12 ft (3-3.6 m) in 5-7 years after it’s been established. Research different types of maple trees to determine how quickly they’ll grow. [22]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    When seeds drop in autumn, are they viable?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    In some cases. Many species' seeds will need to be stratified before germination.
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  • Question
    I have purchased American maple bonsai seeds. Which type of soil mixture is good, and can I use a coco peat vermiculite perlite mixture?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    Yes you can. Use a standard potting mixture for growing your American Maple.
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  • Question
    My sugar maples drop seeds in the spring where I live. They aren't seeds that have been retained in the fall and winter. They are new seeds. This might be due to a mutation in the sugar maple DNA. So I plant them right away if I can feel the seed inside. Is there anything wrong with doing this?
    Community Answer
    No. If they drop in early spring, this means that they have naturally adapted to the seasonal cycle and temperatures that are best suited for their growth. Species are diverse, it may not be genetically modified. Sometimes introducing alien species to an area can cause temperately odd periods of growth. I suggest experimenting with soaking for 24 hours before planting, sticking it in directly, stratifying for 2-4 weeks and germinating in napkins.
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      Tips

      • If the stratification process is too much effort, plant the seeds directly in the soil in late autumn. The species listed under "cold stratification" may germinate in the spring, but many of the seeds will stay dormant. The species listed under "warm and cold stratification" usually take years to germinate. If you're impatient, rub through the base of the fruit wall (opposite the seed wing), then through the base of the seed coat as well. Don't expect more than 20–30% germination rates, if you see any at all. [23]
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      • If your Japanese maple seeds have dried out in storage, soak them in 40–50ºC (104–122ºF) water, letting the water cool gradually for 1–2 days. Remove them from the water and cold stratify.
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      • Boxelder maples ( Acer negundo ) are harder to germinate than the other cold-stratified seed species. If the seeds are dry and very hard, break the outer hull before you start.
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      Warnings

      • Although one of the easiest maples to plant , silver maples often become a nuisance in backyards. They grow into large, messy trees that require significant pruning and are vulnerable to storms, fires, and pests. [24]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/111/2017/07/66.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.ppfv.org/blog/2024/2/26/growing-sugar-maple-trees
      3. ↑ http://www.schundler.com/pH.htm
      4. ↑ https://extension.unh.edu/resource/starting-plants-seed-fact-sheet
      5. ↑ https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/germination-tree-seed
      6. ↑ https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/germination-tree-seed
      7. ↑ https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/germination-tree-seed
      8. ↑ https://forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/111/2017/07/66.pdf
      9. ↑ https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/acer-glabrum
      1. ↑ https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/mes/sustainable-wildflower-seed-production/scarification-and-vernalization
      2. ↑ https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/umatilla/learning/nature-science/?cid=stelprdb5251047
      3. ↑ https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/umatilla/learning/nature-science/?cid=stelprdb5251047
      4. ↑ https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/umatilla/learning/nature-science/?cid=stelprdb5251047
      5. ↑ https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/germination-tree-seed
      6. ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/maple/
      7. ↑ https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_acru.pdf
      8. ↑ https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_acru.pdf
      9. ↑ https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/germination-tree-seed
      10. ↑ https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/germination-tree-seed
      11. ↑ https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/germination-tree-seed
      12. ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/maple-diseases-insect-pests/
      13. ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/maple/
      14. ↑ https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/x79-043?mobileUi=0
      15. ↑ https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-saccharinum/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To germinate maple tree seeds, try the cold stratification approach by first filling a plastic bag with growing materials such as peat moss, vermiculite, or germination paper. Next, add a few drops of water to the growing material, then put the maple seeds in the bag and seal it shut. Place the bag in the crisper drawer of you refrigerator to trigger germination. For the next 40 to 120 days, check the bag every other week, or until you notice that the seeds have begun to sprout. At this point, remove the bag from the refrigerator, and plant the seeds in moist soil. For more tips from our Horticulturist co-author, such as how to germinate maple tree seeds in the soil, keep reading!

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