Question
Maple Tree Seeds
Hi Jim, how can I make sure that my Silver Maple Seeds will germinate? Thank You.
AnswerThey first have to be stratified.
Essentially, you break the wings off the seeds, put them in a jar of warm water, and let them soak for a day, then you put them in some damp peat moss, sand, soil, etc in a plastic bag (with a few holes poked in it) and store the bag in your refrigerator for 90 days or until the seeds begin to sprout.
Then you can put them in potting soil. Seed can be planted in ground beds or in small pots; there is no single right way. I prefer to plant in pots, but this take a lot of space and more intense care, while ground beds are more forgiving and usually produce larger trees. When they are about 12-18 inches tall they can be planted out where you want them.
