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When to Collect and Stratify Japanese Maple Seeds

I have lace leaf Japanese maples with seed pods in early spring (Northwest). When should I collect and prepare them for planting?

Japanese Maple Seed Timeline

Collect pods, dry in safe place all summer until brown and crispy. Sow in pots this fall, leave outdoors for natural stratification. Seeds need multiple cold/warm cycles: 60-90 days below 40°F, then warm to 70°F. May need 2+ cycles. Accelerate: pot in damp soil, seal in bag, refrigerate 3 months, then 70°F for 3 months. If no germination in 30-60 days, repeat fridge cycle. Patience required.

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