Can You Germinate Dry Japanese Maple Seeds and When is the Best Time to Pick Them?

People ask me all the time how to germinate dry Japanese maple seeds that they buy online. I finally decided to bite the bullet and buy some seeds myself so that I could find out once and for all if this was a viable option. The results are in! I also talk a little bit about when is the best time to pick the seeds.
What I use for potting soil: • What I use for potting...
Japanese maple seed germination: • How to Easily Germinat...
How long can you cold stratify Japanese maple seeds: • How Long Can You Cold ...
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[@MikeKincaid79]

People want answers so I took the plunge and actually bought some seeds online just so I could duplicate what so many people are going through with these Ebay seeds. Can I make it work? Here's the results.

[@amykoharu]

Thank you Mike! I thought they are too good to be true! They put fancy names like "Rare Purple Acer Seed/ Blue Acer seed" whatsoever to attract buyer! Your video is extremely helpful to viewers!

[@lizard9]

I bought some seeds this year and trying to germinate it right now.

[@lizard9]

I bought some seeds this year and trying to germinate it right now.

[@thanhnguyenthien690]

Can the young japanese maple tree alive if I let it outside for first winter? Because I don't have a green house to cover like you. Is it ok if I bring them into my garage with no sun ??? Thank you

[@mightyfitness4053]

I buy dry seeds from China, they grow up 7 from 20seeds but they are in different kinds. Unfortunately 3 of them are burn in soft sun light (i think they are big leaf maples) so now i have 4 baby Japanese maple. I put them in refrigerator only 2weeks and put into the pot. Here if you want to see them, sorry I can't make great video like you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHKcfp9si7CKibc

[@jlnriddick]

Far beyond the planting and experimenting with the "dry, online seeds", is the fact that you take the time to film ALL of this for us over crazy periods of time!!! I don't think I'm subscribed to any other youtuber who only makes me wait 3 seconds to see weeks and months worth of results, and you do it on plenty of videos. You deserve a medal for that alone! Thank you so much for ALL you do to keep us educated and inspired! I so appreciate your time, effort, and hilarious personality!

[@MikeKincaid79]

LOL, well I really appreciate your nice comment! I really enjoy making the videos for you and glad you can learn from them. Have fun in the garden!

[@simonac688.]

Mike could of been a succesful Movie Star 👍

[@BLEACH500]

Yeah some of these take months and months thanks for them also I’ve heard you never want to get seeds from online because they all get sterilized at the shipping companies on purpose to stop people from buying seeds from other countries and from the hundreds of people I’ve seen try it none have germinated most of all from China

[@tayradke]

I watched this video (and the rest of your great series on these seeds) shortly after ordering some dried seeds online about a month and a half ago. I wasn't expecting much from my purchase but went ahead and stratified and then sowed after about 6 weeks and now I have two tiny sprouts coming up! time to go back and watch everything again to figure out how to care for them!

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's so awesome! You just really never know. Glad you stuck with it.

[@adavis4031]

Mike your energy is awesome! Really glad I stumbled across your videos

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm glad too!

[@theopieshow1320]

Great experiment and nice follow up I appreciate the months of prep you put into your topic videos so I can see before and afters.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, glad you appreciate the effort. I always get frustrated watching a video of someone telling me how to do something with no proof that it works or doesn't. Besides that, I just like making these videos this way. It's a lot of video clips for multiple videos swimming around in my head for months but worth it in the end.

[@roballen7075]

I kept having this exact experience with seeds bought online and assumed I was doing something wrong, it's nice to see an experienced grower run into the same issues. Thanks for the vid!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome Rob!

[@janetyu3254]

I got 10 seeds coming out this year ,Coral Bark maple seeds . I’m so happy 😀

[@grimm8786]

I appreciate the time you took to do all this. thank you.

[@MikeKincaid79]

No problem, it's good info for the group.

[@natewelch6608]

Mike I can’t stop watching all the videos. I love science and gardening and you are awesome. Cheers man! Thanks again for making so many videos and being you. Your awesome!

[@MikeKincaid79]

So glad you enjoy them, Nate! Thanks for watching and thanks for your support here!!!

[@shusha50]

Mike Kincaid, your enthusiasm, your energy, your love for educating ( perfectly clear english) , your knowledge base, your whole approach to gardening is so very infectious. Thanks for your videos on propagation. Keep smiling. Love all of your videos. Where is your farm located . Would like to make a special trip with my hubby if we can. We live in Ontario, Canada

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thank you so much for the very nice comment! I'm not quite open to the public yet but plan to eventually open a retail area here.

[@KaoticoEizex]

Thanks for the information, I was waiting for this video.

[@thanhnguyenthien690]

Thank you so much for answering my question about whether we can collect seeds in spring or not... i will wait until fall to get them!!

[@DARRENOATWAY]

Love you’re videos Mike, keep doing them. Watching this from the UK 🇬🇧

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks for the support Darren!

[@decomanjoel]

Mike, this was a very interesting video. I never imagined starting a maple tree from seed. By the way your rhododendron garden is absolutely beautiful. I really enjoy your channel and your videos. Thanks

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks so much, Joel!

[@nancywebb6549]

I have Maple trees that come up all over my yard in the summer.

[@NikiaLemaire]

Wow, I asked and you already answered my question! Thanks Mike!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Any time!

[@deanevans7707]

Hi Mike just wanted to say I love your channel and I be enjoyed your Acer videos. Never had success with buying seeds on line either. Keep up the great videos all the best Dean.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Dean!

[@midsouthhomestead9180]

This is how I found your channel. We planted a Red Japanese Maple Tree in memory of my MOM 18 years ago. It is huge. My kids are grown and they both have tattoos of it. Last spring I had them popping up everywhere and I am still growing them. I asked you what to do with them. Thanks for your information. Rhonda

[@MikeKincaid79]

I remember you asking! The brain still works, lol.

[@TheAndow]

I glad i have seen this,was thinking to buying seeds online,think i will save my money ,thanks for the heads up on this one,👍🏻

[@dorothyfu7540]

Mike: This winter I used 2 methods: 1 set in the fridge the same as your method, and another set in compost/soil in a 6" pot that was left out int the backyard through the entire freezing winter here in Toronto. I got germination in both, 100%. By the way my seeds were Amur Maples. They turn a gorgeous pink/red in autumn, but stays green throughout summer.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds like a wonderful tree! So glad you had the nice successes with them.

[@patrickteo528]

Thanks so much for painstakingly making these informative videos, Mike! I followed your instructions in the original maple germination Part 1 and I can confirm that the ziplock in fridge method works. I'm in Sydney, Australia and I collected green Japanese maple seeds in late March (early Autumn) and now some of those seeds have roots growing out. Now I just need a container and some medium to plant them in...

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome, so glad to hear it. Enjoy your new maples!

[@Finger_Prince]

Bro I'm in cairns, how long should i put my seeds in the fridge? It's been a week since i put them in my fridge with moisture sphagnum moss.

[@suzegarden]

Thanks so much for doing this experiment! You saved me a lot of time and money!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Great! That's what it's all about.

[@naturallybalancedfarms]

Great video Mike! We just started the Tree seed sapling shop on Facebook. Because of this we can really appreciate this video. Thanks so much for your quality videos as always. 😊

[@MikeKincaid79]

Just went over to your Facebook page and like it. I'm really intrigued. That's an awesome idea you have there and because you're passionate about seeds I'm sure you've got the finest quality. I'll definitely keep you in mind in the future.

[@naturallybalancedfarms]

Thanks so much Mike!

[@bobbrawley2612]

Naturally balanced farms . A flagrant plug . I appreciate it . I will follow you on Facebook if I can find it

[@naturallybalancedfarms]

Bob I really didn’t mean for it to be a plug but I see it now. I just meant because we sell seeds I appreciate this video a lot. I do see it now though lol. But thanks for the follow.

[@MikeKincaid79]

The all seeing eye notices everything, haha. I let lots of plugs slip through on this channel willingly. It helps people out when they're looking for all kinds of info and product.

[@susanaflores1952]

i was planning to buy some seeds. thank you for this video

[@carmenbailey8209]

Great video showing in and outs for seed germination for Japanese Maples

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks Carmen

[@DavidMFChapman]

Nice video. If you watch Nature, it seems obvious that (1) you would collect the seeds in the fall, when the tree drops them, (2) they would be kept moist through the fall and spring, and (3) the seeds pass through a cold (even frozen) spell. We have tons of maple seedlings pop up in the spring from all the Norway maples around here.

[@tazmankb26]

Excellent explanation of the process- looking forward to doing this next fall from Shantung, Bloodgood, and Deshojo.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Good luck! Should make for some beautiful trees for you!

[@fredcollins5839]

I just love how you video, the timelines, it's very helpful! Thanks so much 👍🏻🌺🌹

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome, Fred! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@putrimumpuni6250]

Looked... what a beautiful garden you have Mike!!!! Envy to everyone who can get fresh red maple seeds! Thank you Mike for the video. Two tumbs up

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Putri!

[@robertjohn819]

Thanks really useful information and clear presentation , great work.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

I like seeing the truth, it keeps me from buying more seeds and failing several times in a row. Thanks Mike for showing this.

[@MikeKincaid79]

No problem, you're better off buying a tree, lol.

[@sidneyeaston6927]

@@MikeKincaid79 As with most seeds they have a life limiting factor, that is the seed oil that protects it ( the seed germ and its starch food ) if that oil coating is not dissolved in a particular way then the seed will not germinate. The best place to germinate maple seed is right under the healthy tree it fell off.

[@alexanderscalzi9361]

A few years ago when i was first getting into bonsai my aunt decided to get me a bonsai seed kit as well as "purple ghost japanese maple bonsai seeds." The seed starter kit was great most of the seeds were viable, sadly only two delonix regia made it all the way till now. But, the samaras from the amazon "bonsai" seeds felt a bit funny. I was, at the time going to school for environmental science and the seeds didn't look like any japanese maple, or cultivar, that I had read about. Fast forward to now, i have two happy, healthy Acer campestre saplings and the whole rest of the batch never even germinated, rotten cotyledons, all of them.

[@cindikauffman5206]

Morning mike, thank you for the example : dry seed to wet seeds. Also now I now when to pick seeds off trees. When I see them in the spring let them fully mature, until winter. Then pick and put in a Baggie and refrigerate. For 3 to 4 months. Thank you again. I enjoy watching your videos. Cindi Lou Santa Cruz ca.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Absolutely correct! You've got it down. Now go forth and multiply, lol.

[@michaelcook9206]

Mike, I bought have 3000 JM seeds from Schumacher Seed last fall/winter for $60. They were dry when they arrived. I did the warm water treatment and put them in the fridge until they started germinating. This was my first time doing this and I must have gotten 90% success. I am overloaded with little trees now and will graft them next year. Don't waste your time on random online seed suppliers and check out Scumacher Seed. I don't have any affiliation with them, just very pleased with them. They also answered my questions promptly.

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's awesome to hear! I've been trying to find a reputable source for seeds for people. I know it's possible to germinate dried seeds and was going to give it a shot again this year. I'm sure there are better suppliers that others and I'm so glad you found these people and shared the news. Maybe I'll buy some from them and make a video about it. Thank you, Michael!

[@grahamthomas6283]

What a cracking garden you got plus thanks for the heads up on seeds from eBay think before you buy 🐞🐦👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@MikeKincaid79]

Very true, thanks Graham.

[@catherinecolbert7148]

Excellent video!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome, Catherine!

[@biscuit-mz8ek]

This is actually very helpful too, I bought some online a couple years ago and as stupid as it sounds, I thought I could just throw em in some potting soil and I thought it grow

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yeah, it's kind of frustrating to spend your hard earned money on something that completely fails but now we know. I think I mentioned it in the video but I actually went out and collected over 7000 seeds the first year I ever tried this and I dried them all (because that's what everyone tells you to do) and only about 10 seeds germinated. Keeping them moist is definitely the way to go.

[@LifeinUnitedKingdomwithBuds]

you got lovely property there. enjoyed watching your video as always...feeling a bit addicted now to planting 😊

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's that time of year!

[@cindikauffman5206]

Mike thank you for that info. Know other tree around. And that makes complete sense, that some trees don't seed. Cindi. Ps I just watches your video on how to propagate roses. I have lots of roses; can't wait to try that with mine. Cindi

[@ssss-ch3fs]

Loved the info. Thank you so much!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hakenly]

Glad you this video. It’s really informative. Maybe you should consider selling your seeds or give some out to your subscribers.

[@oldmilkmaid1955]

The past two years I went to town and collected nice fat mature Japanese maple seeds, mostly from the ground, from several lovely red-leaf trees (maybe Bloodgood, but I don't know). I took them home, and the first year stuck them in a bin of soil just deep enough that their 'wingtips' barely stuck out. I set them out in my propagation area with some hardware cloth over them to keep critters out, and left them for the winter. In the spring, they began sprouting and I had lots of babies to pot. Last fall, I put my collected seeds inside a zip-bag full of damp ProMix and put it in the fridge until early spring. Most were germinating beautifully in the bag, so I stuck them in a tub of ProMix to grow on. I left the rest of the seeds in the bag and every week or so removed the sprouting ones to stick them in the tub with their siblings. That went on for a couple of months until I ran out of seeds in the bag. This fall, I 'potted' them in 16 oz. clear-plastic cups (Equate brand, 100 in a bag for $6.17 at Walmart) with a little bit of the edge of the bottom cut off for drainage. A month ago I began mulching all my potted seedlings and cuttings with leaves, hoping to protect them adequately for the central-NYS winter. Now they're all tucked-in and snoozing. I can barely wait for spring to see how they've fared. There were NO seeds on or under ANY Japanese maple tree I checked this year - the late freeze, then drought for most of the summer, really did them in. Even the sugar, silver and Norway maples had no seeds, and I saw very few from the Siberian elms. A lot of little birds and critters are going to be hungry this winter!

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's fantastic! Glad to hear you've had so much success. It's funny how they produce seeds one year and not the next. It's just a typical trait of many trees but they don't always have a bumper crop. On the years that produce really well, that's the time to get them while you can. It's always the most exciting for me when the first spring arrives, after the seedlings have hardened off through the winter. They really take off and put on a lot of growth at that time and all your hard work pays off!

[@ernestfultz6159]

A Japanese maple or even a maple bonsai tree is from a regular seed, they plant in very small pots to force the tree to grow small, but after so long the roots will start curling around the inside of the pot, so from time to time you half to take it out of the pot and cut off part of the main root and outer roots so it doesn't die, then you haft to trimming the branches and wire them and the truck to grow they way you want them to, once done you remove the wire. now if say after 20 or so years but not as long as 40 you decide to plant in the ground, if you do not trim it, it will grow full size. but bi product of having roots trimmed and being in a small pot. you half to keep bonsai tree watered a few times a day. They don't regulate themselves like a normal tree as long as their roots are trimmed. They are selling you basically a regular seed

[@Watashiwapitadesu]

Hey, thank you for making this video! I still expect to much to fast from my seeds, and this video shows that I just have to be patient and really wait for a couple of months before anything major can happen with most seeds!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, absolutely true. Glad you were able to pull some wisdom from this!

[@simonac688.]

Re watched your video Mike your flowers and Trees are awsome 👍

[@MikeKincaid79]

I appreciate your support! Looking forward to spring and will be filming it all again while in bloom.

[@simonac688.]

@@MikeKincaid79 cant wait to see your Spring video's Mike u do a great job in front of the camera ...wishing you 100,000 new subcribers this year 👍

[@MikeKincaid79]

That would be really cool! Thanks again.

[@kostastheo2043]

Hi and thanks for the complete video! I had the same experiment, out of 100 dry seeds I got only 1 to sprout. And taking into account that a seed is never 100% the same as the parent tree, it's really pointless buying these online. Unless you like the element of surprise! Cheers from Greece!

[@MikeKincaid79]

I agree, pointless to buy them online. I always recommend someone buy a couple small trees and plant them. Within a few years they’ll have all the seeds they can handle.

[@MaryGatdula]

You have a very beautiful garden!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thank you so much 😊

[@marcosricardosilva]

Hey Mike, great videos, a lot of useful info! What is the type of pine trees you have in your backyard?

[@MikeKincaid79]

They are fir trees.

[@marcosricardosilva]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thanks!

[@alanhiatt4820]

I always enjoy your propagation video's, especially the ones to do with Japanese Maples. I have to wonder if a light scarification would benefit the dry Maple seeds before the soak and cold stratification. As you know, the seed coat is there to prevent germination at the wrong time - so new seedlings don't emerge before having time to develop & harden off in preparation for winter. Maybe the seed coat in the dry seed is a bit thicker or harder than in fresh seed preventing the uptake of water. I should buy 200 dry seed from the same source and do a light scarification with half and no scarification with a control group, before soaking and following your tub method to determine germination percentages of both groups. Science - gotta love it. :)

[@MikeKincaid79]

I don't believe scarification is necessary. When the seed breaks from the tree, there is a vulnerable spot that is essentially "scarified". That spot lets all the moisture in that the embryo needs. I've never had a problem germinating these seeds without scarifying them. More Japanese maple videos to come!

[@camicri4263]

Bummer! It happens though so you take the good and the bad. Thanks for the info Mike, great job! Hugs from Atlanta 🍁🍁🍁

[@MikeKincaid79]

Always good to see you here, Camelia.

[@camicri4263]

Oh, thanks Mike! I always enjoy seeing your videos! A bit late here 1:29am. Good night! Have an awesome week 😘 hugs to you and your girls!

[@daisyleechristou8381]

Mike, I chuckled my thro this video as I too find it 'interesting' they always say Rare or Bonsai when there's obviously no such thing, plus they (ebay etc) sell blue/rainbow coloured Rose's/primrose seeds etc ... why do people fall for the garb. My secret is I go to various garden centres here (in the UK) and scramble around on the ground or in the pots etc for seeds the plants have dropped. The succulent section is heaving with little babies ones - and I don't feel bad for 'popping' them into my handbag as all that happens is they get swept up and trashed... so I'm recycling of sorts!! I pot on and grow the succulents then give them to our charity shops to sell so all for good causes. I also go around our beautiful parks and collect seeds that way - did it 3 times this week before the predicted bad weather comes tomorrow. If you want some tulip tree, golden leaf robina, indian bean tree, golden rain tree and or boxus seeds happy to post some to you or even some conkers or various acorns to try and grow. Found it interesting as I soak various seeds for 24 hrs as you did the maple ones, but I never use the seeds that 'don't' sink as I always thought they weren't viable however, noticed you used them all sunk or not - ok non sprouted tho but I'm wondering if to use the 'floaters' too after watching you. Thank you for sparing your time to make this video - it's proved a point for sure. Love to you all. Xx

[@acechadwick]

I did that myself today! At the garden centre got some lovely Japanese maple seeds. Like you said, they'll only drop off and be swept up. I've thrown them all in and am hoping for the best. Meet me here next year and we'll compare notes!

[@kezmines]

Great video. Very helpful. I bought maple seeds last year on Internet. Had them in fridge but nothin happened.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sorry to hear it. Thought this video would save people some money and heartache.

[@karelkat]

Hi Mike, I was able to get these seeds (dried) to sprout a few years back. I soaked them in water for 72 hours, changing the water every 24 hours. then put them along with some potting soil in a baggie and refrigerated them at 4 degrees Celsius for 90 days. Mine sprouted in the fridge. If you want I can send you the document.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm a believer! I want this to work really badly and I'm going to try it again this winter.

[@kiripotimung3730]

Hi Mike recently I purchased Gingko Seeds Online. I had no hope that they will sprout but for the sake of my curiousty i ordered one. And luckly 4/5 seed germinated. All i did is soak them in a warm water for 3 hrs and crack open their hard shell and pot in a coco peat +perlite+vermivompost.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! Glad it worked out for you.

[@jeroliver]

We had a great Japanese maple at our last house. I collected a bunch of seeds before we moved. I saved them in an air tight container but it's been 3 years. I didn't get any to germinate last year but I'll try again this year. They're soaking in the water now.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome experiment. I'd love to hear if they germinate after 3 years of storage.

[@jeroliver]

@@MikeKincaid79 Hey Mike! I was getting a stick of butter out of the fridge and I see that some of the seeds have germinated! Should I put them in dirt now or wait another month?

[@sueallen7750]

Wow. Thank you. I bought seeds a year ago & Zero seeds grew. Don't feel so bad. Going to search for live trees & ask those neighbors for seeds next Fall. Lol

[@MikeKincaid79]

I think that's your best bet in the mean time.

[@DanielFlores-nw2yz]

Thank you Mike for the video on Japanese maple seed propagation. I’m in the process of germinating seeds which I bought online. Let you know what happen.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! If they don't germinate this year then leave them alone and you may get some to germinate the next year.

[@kimedwards9172]

Hi Mike Kincaid! I enjoyed the video very much. I LOOOOVe Japanese Maples and finally got one a few years ago that is doing great. I wanted to clarify what you said about the seeds on your maple you showed toward the end of the video. You said not to collect them in the Spring but next Fall....did you mean Fall of the following year or in the same year...so for example Spring 2020 I have seeds on the maple...collect them in the Fall 2020 or Fall 2021. Thanks again!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Collect them in the fall of 2020.

[@kimedwards9172]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thanks Mike...already love Fall, more reason to look forward to it!!!

[@rose5150fl]

Your so right. Red flags for me are... Rare, blue, bonsai, collectable. Selling tricks! Plus ... Always always read the sellers reviews! Do you sell seeds or know of a reputable seller that we could buy them from?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I don't personally know any but I would say that if they ship fresh seeds then you're on the right track.

[@sandy-rr1by]

love your videos. wonder if sanding a spot would help to germinate the dried seed, then soak.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Possibly. I'm not done with this yet and plan to keep trying until I figure it out.

[@jeremymerrill8075]

I did this same thing with over 100 seeds and not one germinated!!!! This year I’m collecting 100’s of fresh seeds!! Thanks for the great info!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Did you watch until the end of the video, Bob?

[@bobbrawley2612]

@@MikeKincaid79 I'm not sure . I got to the part where you said the seeds form in May. But they dont fully mature till Autumn . Oct. Is one of the months you mentioned. .I got to the part where you showed the large red immature seed helicopters compared to the small immature helicopters. Stating that the small ones will drop off during the summer and will not be good candidates for germination over the winter.

[@mariannevelasco8146]

Hi Mike! I have been watching your videos about germinating maple seeds (cold stratifying them etc) and your videos have been super helpful! I ordered some several seed varieties from guy maillot from france to me in Ireland. I know dried seeds have very little chance of making it and I watched your video trying. I saw in one of the comments it could even take months to years of cold stratification for it to show some sign... So I decided to put it in the firdge in May (Spring) expecting it won't germinate until at least before spring next year or much longer... But now it is August and I saw one zip lock of seeds germinated!.. It is now coming into Autumn here and I have planted them in soil just today... I am just wondering if there is any advise you can give? Like will they survive? Should I keep them indoors? Or let them outside since its still warm enough etc...what should I do come November-March when temperatures can be cold to freezing? Im just not sure since you typically have them in soil before spring and now I have them in soil before Autumn😅.. I also only planted the seeds that did germinate. Should I leave the rest in the fridge until I see some signs of germination? Considering they are dried seeds and have less chance than the ones freshly picked?.. Thank you so much for reading this and any advise would be appreciated 🙏

[@MikeKincaid79]

Wow, great job, don't forget the source you bought them from. Sounds like a little bit of a predicament. I think you're going to have to keep them growing indoors through the winter with grow lights. Not sure how they'd do as newly germinated seeds going into the winter.

[@derricktrulson9326]

Ive actually had good success with seeds bought from sees rack. The almost all the wisteria seed grew. Chinese elms is essentially gauranteed. I have successfully grew banyas ficus from seeds. Japanese black/white pine, it was harder but i got em to sprout. Im growing cherries trees now. They all sprouted.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome!

[@robertsimpson574]

I had the same results 0% germination and I’m pretty sure they were from the same seller as you. Same packaging. Thanks for the videos.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sorry about your luck. Sounds like we're in the same boat. Hopefully I've saves a few other people from wasting a few bucks.

[@judithjohnson5371]

I enjoyed seeing this experiment. Very interesting. Love yr channel.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Judith. I enjoy making these videos for you!

[@pbro1105]

Hi I just found your channel and I’m so glad I did!! This isn’t the video I watched but since this is your most recent one I am commenting here to ask a question. My mom passed away 3 yrs ago and I had given her a plant called “yesterday today and tomorrow”. She loved it and it blooms every year and is so pretty. Last month my dad passed away and my sister is selling the house. My dad (who always called it “bed bath and beyond” lol) kept trying to get me to take this plant and repot it but I never did. I live in an apt and can’t take the whole thing (it’s big) but want to start one from the plant that’s there and keep it in a pot. Is that possible and how do I do it? Is it like the hydrangea video you did? Thank you so much. It means a lot to me. Also I live in florida where it is so humid so do still keep cuttings in a container and the weather is usually hot until November sometimes later do I do it the same way? Thank you so much for your videos

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad you found the channel! I don't have any personal experience with this plant but found an article talking about propagating it. Sounds like it will root just like the hydrangea: homeguides.sfgate.com/propagate-yesterdaytodayandtomorrow-plants-41877.html

[@amywright2243]

Awesome info! Would the same seed harvesting timeline apply for Eastern redbuds? Mine is covered in seed pods this spring!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Never tried redbuds so I don't want to give wrong info but I would assume that the timeline is similar.

[@pitviper346]

I’m so jealous of the amount of green (and space) in your yard. Here In Las Vegas, it’s all boring, dry desert landscaping and not much grass due to a water shortage. 😕. I don’t suppose ANY Japanese maple tree would grow/ survive here ? Anything but cactus!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Probably not but I'm sure you can grow figs!

[@juanmarquez9140]

That is a beautiful Japanese maple tree 👍👍👍👍👍

[@MikeKincaid79]

They get nicer the older they get.

[@juanmarquez9140]

Yes they do keep doing the great work.

[@colinpeake8494]

This CAN be done, but some words of advice for buying seeds off Ebay: 1. Don't just buy from anyone on Ebay. Look for a seller with hundreds or thousands of positive reviews/feedback. 2. Timing is everything. If you want fresh seeds buy in them in Oct./Nov. when they should be collected. 3. Message the seller to see if they are fresh (yes they could lie, but a good seller should respond). 4. You can easily find some sellers that will sell hundreds of seeds for $20. Much better success rate. 5. If they are fresh they tend to have that reddish color in the fall then brown over winter. I was able to buy some seeds fall of 2019 and following Mike's advice/videos they are sprouting in my fridge in February!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks for all the tips! That's good news and hope for people buying online.

[@danielu7143]

Omg! what a beautiful graden.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Hey thanks so much Daniel.

[@treypitchford1516]

I tried your method and I’ve got 18 in there own pot outside now and I just put over 1,000 seeds in my refrigerator about a week ago

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome man, this is your year.

[@SC-fk9nc]

I have attempted to germinate dried seeds from red and sugar maples as well as sequoia seeds after stratificating them and it was an epic fail, no germination at all, total waste of money. However, Japanese maple seeds and English oak acorns collected fresh and stratified for 3 months germinated at very high percentage. Love your channel!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome, glad you found it, Serge!

[@SC-fk9nc]

@@MikeKincaid79 I just managed to germinate 4 giant sequoias ☺. Perseverance paid in the end. Now must nurture them for a year before transplanting them outside. Cheers! Serge

[@matthewkizziahcuzia...gott9632]

I bought mimosa seeds online last year and they showed up but were obviously a type of maple seed. I planted them and so far they look like Acer truncatum maybe a cross with something else. They look cool though. Still looking for mimosa seeds.

[@daisyleechristou8381]

I've always found it very easy to grow mimosa from a cutting than from seeds.

[@carminepetracca7518]

hi mike: i am glad you enjoyed the chrysanthemum video. that guy is a wizard. i enjoyed it enough to share. it seems like we have washington states weather this season. rain won't quit. it breaks up on the weekends though. it's very odd. later, carmine p.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Man I wish I had more rain around here right now. It's been so hot and dry and the rhodys are begging for water every day. Tough times in the Pacific Northwest.

[@carminepetracca7518]

sorry to hear that mike. i hope things get better your way. the weather gods must be confused.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha, I think you're right. It's been this way for the past 4 years now and so I've been planting more drought tolerant trees and shrubs over the past year. I'm curious to see how all of this evolves over the next 10 years. I enjoy watching it all develop.

[@uniteamerica9446]

When listing on eBay it's necessary to use every keyword you can. That's why the listings are worded like that. Try gibberellic acid on old seeds.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I get it but I think there is a line between being truthful and making things up that will end in the buyer being disappointed or feeling tricked.

[@faiz8718]

How to treat the old maple seeds with gibberellin acid ? Should i soak the seeds and doing steps like in the video?

[@juanmarquez9140]

You know I bought some of those seeds myself but I only tried to Germinate a few but no success.

[@henrychan1]

It’s true. Wet seeds are best. I once picked seeds off my maple and left them indoors for just a week before putting them in soil. Just that little time made them germinate at a much lower volume then when I picked them and immediately put them in dirt.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Makes a huge difference, doesn't it.

[@nancyanngambino1053]

Hi Mike. When can the mature seed pods be picked? I have a beautiful green maple and I see seed pods. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen seeds on this tree. Thank you! 🌱

[@MikeKincaid79]

In the late fall when the leaves start falling. Around here it's the end of November.

[@SkylinersYeti]

I do not claim to be an expert and I do not have my reference books handy at this moment but acer seed picked when mature and green will germinate the next spring when properly stratified,. Once the seed turns brown and drys it goes into a secondary dormancy and it will take many years for the seed to germinate. It is a good adaption for the survival of poor growing seasons. My advice keep the experiment going and give it 4 years. You might be surprised how many germinate. Also it is good to use a razor knife and verify the seed is full and there is a mature embryo in the seed. FYI I use an old usfs publication, i think it is called the woody plant seed manual?? very old but lots of quality information.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Maybe I'll just leave the pot full of the dried seeds and see what happens.

[@fazishafi4089]

Helpful vdo ❤️❤️❤️from India 🇮🇳

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sidneyeaston6927]

To get maple seedlings you buy a twenty five kilo bag of fine bark chippings and let them rot in the bag for the summer keep moist. Rake them out under your maple tree in fall when the seeds fall they plant themselves.You leave the whole thing alone and remove the seedlings as they become large and can be transplanted safely. There are sub species that only grow as bushes and never get tall or very thick stems so it would be an advantage to learn how to graft and be able to choose the growth habit nearest to your required outcome for pruning and shaping.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I've got a video about grafting them, if you're interested.

[@sidneyeaston6927]

@@MikeKincaid79 No been grafting forty five years now. Started with roses You should try it, one four foot standard stem with four colors on top in a large pot sell when in full bloom.

[@koenvannieuwpoort862]

Thanks for the video! I just bought some Japanese maple seeds online. I'm still going to try it anyway. Am I on time if I Start the stratification now? Maybe I can plant them in April?

[@MikeKincaid79]

They need 90 to 120 days to stratify so you are still early enough. If they don't germinate this year then they may germinate the following year.

[@koenvannieuwpoort862]

Thank you !

[@biscuit-mz8ek]

You should try to germinate Sakura tree seeds, I’ve been trying too but I don’t know if I’ll have much luck this time.. like always

[@MikeKincaid79]

Maybe one day

[@casestyer1166]

Nice video! I've read that they can take up to 3 years to germinate

[@MikeKincaid79]

I've heard that too, when it comes to dry seeds. I just get impatient and want them the following spring, lol.

[@priostube]

Ur correct

[@randomwalk4708]

I would love to get some of your maple seeds and try out to plant it on my tropical country as an experiment. I will post the progress on KZbin and mention you or your channel in the credits. Please consider my will. I really really want to have some maple tree in my backyard. Thanks in advance.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sorry, I don't ship seeds at this time.

[@jayskull4236]

Thanks Mike. I live near Sacramento, CA (zone 9) Question: For getting good seeds, I select the large seeds on the tree then I wait 'till aprox. September and pull them, right? Keep them in a dry spot until January then use your technique to stratify and plant by aprox. next March or April, right?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Don't let them dry out after picking. Pick them from the tree and put them directly in a plastic bag with a few sprays of water and then straight into the fridge. They need to stay moist as they stratify through the winter. Here's the series about it if you haven't seen it yet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3TclIadlsp9rsk

[@jayskull4236]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thanks. I just subscribed and watch the grafting video. This channel of yours is gold.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Hey, thanks a lot Jason! I appreciate the support.

[@philmatthews3537]

Grafting a scion is not the only way to get an exact same tree as one you want, you can also grow a clone from a cutting.

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's what 95% of this channel is about. Cuttings.

[@kristapeters855]

Just wondering if you can germinate larch seeds that have wintered in the pine cones still attached to the tree by soaking overnight in the same way?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I've never actually worked with them so I'm not sure, but something I could work on in the future.

[@MoistMage69]

I got a Japanese maple seed kit to try to grow them. What time do maple trees start to seed? I live in Australia and know where there is a few maple trees

[@MikeKincaid79]

The seeds start growing in the spring and are harvested in the fall, around april or may for you guys.

[@evergreenfamily7407]

Soak overnight and you see those flaoting at the top has less chance of growning .those at the bottom are good ones .i do that with corn and other seeds even on flowers seeds. Saoking with water helps more faster germination of seeds.

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Mike, so you don't collect the seeds in the spring? If I'm understanding this correctly you collect them in the fall, is that right? How do you collect them pick them up under the tree or pick them off of the tree? I really want to try germinating some of these.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Collect them in the fall, November around here. I wait until the leaves start falling from the trees and then go and pick the seeds. I also collect any that fell on the ground at that time.

[@greenthumbelina7331]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thank you for your response. I will keep my eyes pealed for Japanese Maples in the next few months so I'm ready when fall comes! Of course I'll get permission from the homeowners before collecting seeds from their property. I really can't wait to try my hand at germinating some of these beauties! I thoroughly enjoy your videos and I love how enthusiastic you are about propagating ...you've given me the bug also! lol

[@Canosa612]

I'm totally confused. The tree puts out seeds in the spring and in the fall Or all year round? Do you collect seeds from the spring season in the fall or only seeds that fell in the fall? Sorry but I'm a little bit slow at grasping concepts.

[@greenthumbelina7331]

@@Canosa612 Collect the seeds (which the tree produces in the spring) in the Fall of that same year. You can pick the seeds from the tree as well as the seeds that fell from it in the Fall. You will notice that some (not all) of the seeds have a bead-like swollen area where the winged seeds (2) are attached to each other ... those are the ones that have viable seeds inside. I hope this explanation helps.

[@biscuit-mz8ek]

Also have you ever thought of shipping seeds to people, but in a moist package? Like that way we actually can if we don’t have a tree

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes but it's time consuming. Maybe I'll do a givaway at some point.

[@daisyleechristou8381]

I'm happy to do a seed swap from the UK if allowed.

[@jonmalkowvich6967]

How are your grafts looking ? Great video !

[@MikeKincaid79]

Are you talking about the apple trees I did last year?

[@jonmalkowvich6967]

No. didn't you graft some Japanese maples ?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I think about 4 years ago. They didn't take. It was an experiment to see if it would work if I grafted in the early fall. I don't think I was consistently posting videos then and don't have an update, sorry. I plan to do some grafting this summer.

[@cindikauffman5206]

I will go forth and prosper. Cindi

[@georgeaguirre9426]

Im a little disheartened. I have some seeds in my fridge right now. Guess i will just have to buy the tree from my nursery. Thank s for the video mike.

[@MikeKincaid79]

If you already have the seeds then you may as well give it a go but you'd be better off buying the tree like you mentioned.

[@bbj3700]

Hi Mike, I tried your method using the online seeds as well about a year ago, with zero results. However, I did not have them in a warm hoop house and we got a pretty brutal cold snap here in southeastern Wisconsin. So, it could have been my fault too. I shouldn't have put them out so early. I also had a bunch of fresh seeds from other acer from a local botanic garden, and none germinated. Anyway, what about online sellers (you???) shipping them in the spring after stratification?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I've thought about this and maybe will do something in the future with limited supply.

[@trisnaoip9481]

Hi Mike, i'm your new fan from Indonesia. I'm totally new in some kind of seasonal bonsai tree. I have one question, did i need to stratified those speed for few month if i want to grow Japanese maple in here ? since my country is a tropical country. And did you think Japanese maple will be good in here ? Thank for answer.

[@trisnaoip9481]

Edit, i mean those seeds..

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's hard for me to say how well they're grow in a tropical environment since I don't have any personal experience with it. Yes, Japanese maple seeds need to be cold stratified for best success with germination.

[@saffronguy308]

Hey mike long time no see. Actually i was kinda busy with my job and other thing. Anyways how are you and please tell me its 18 of december today can i start stratification of my japanese maple seeds. Is it ok today or its late? Please suggest me thanks and blessing to your family

[@MikeKincaid79]

You can start now. Are you using fresh seeds that haven’t been dried? That’s always best.

[@Dwade6894]

Hello Mike...... Is there any way I can purchase some of the seeds from your beautiful yard??? I have always admired these trees and would love to grow one but NOT from other sources.. Yours seems to work much better... Hope you have a positive answer for me. It is such a beautiful tree!! thanks...

[@MikeKincaid79]

Wish I could but I get hundreds of requests and could never fill them all.

[@user-ui8gc2gb3x]

Well that’s just great, I live in Sydney Australia and am really getting into bonsais, I bought a maple seed starter kit with like 10 seeds in total. So I’m pretty much screwed. I wish Australia had some maple trees I could get some seeds from 🤕😥

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sometimes they'll sprout the second year if kept moist.