Growing a tree from seeds has always been difficult… until now! Learn how to germinate tree seeds in several easy steps.
Steps
Step 1. Note:
Specifically, how to germinate Japanese maple seeds is explained below. For other trees, the germination process doesn't change much. Steps 3-14 are part of a process called forced germination. Basically, it makes your seeds "feel" the change of season. If you like to germinate your seeds naturally, skip those steps and sow outdoors in the fall. You should have the sprouts in the spring.
Step 2. Collect the seeds when they ripen in October-November
They are ripe when they turn brown and can easily be removed from the tree.
Step 3. Break the seed pods in half and carefully separate the seeds from the rest
Step 4. Store your seeds in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them
If you plan to plant them outdoors right away, you must wait until May 15th if you live north, otherwise you can plant earlier. As the steps before planting take 90 days (you will only do a couple of days of work) you should store the seeds until about February 15th, (if you plan to immediately plant outdoors) then follow the next steps.
Step 5. Prepare the following material before proceeding
- A container that can hold hot water and all your seeds
- Your seeds
- Warm or warm (not hot) water - this is the part for the summer.
Step 6. Place the seeds you collected in your container and pour hot water over them
At this stage, it doesn't matter if they sink or float.
Step 7. Wait 24 to 48 hours to dispose of all floating seeds as they are empty and useless
If you want, you can replace the water after 24 hours with warmer or warmer water and wait another day.
Step 8. Drain the water from the container, but make sure you get the seeds out first
Step 9. Prepare the following materials before proceeding
- A plastic sandwich bag
- Paper napkin
- Tap water
- You need to access a refrigerator (this is the winter part).
Step 10. Fold the paper towel and moisten it with water, but without putting too much water on it to drip
Step 11. Put your seeds on the paper towel
Step 12. Slip the paper towel into the plastic bag
Step 13. Put the bag in your refrigerator
Step 14. Check your seeds once a month to make sure they haven't gone rotten
Step 15. Remove your seeds from the refrigerator after three months
Step 16. Sow your seeds indoors or out by digging a small hole to a depth of just under an inch and a half and cover with about 0.6cm of soil
Make sure your future trees have room to grow until you transplant them - if you intend to.
Step 17. Watch and wait
Some seeds will sprout, some will not. Good luck!
Advice
- If you are germinating a seed of a berry or fruit, you should (if possible) remove the fruit residue or dry it, otherwise this will cause your tree to rot.
- Use numerous seeds, as not all of them will sprout.
- Be patient.
- Plant the seeds in early spring or early to mid-fall, as heat stress can kill them. If you plant in the fall, you won't see much development above the ground, but your seedling will strengthen its roots. If you plant in spring, the seedling will have a full season ahead to grow.
Warnings
- Be careful not to overdo the water, not too much … but not too little.
- Only plant your trees outdoors when there is no longer any danger of frost.
- Treat the tree with care, remember that it is a living being and cannot tolerate excessive mistreatment.
- The process takes at least 90 days (plus the time it takes for your seed to sprout)
