How to Germinate Japanese Maple Seeds | A New Experiment

[@MikeKincaid79]

Here's the original series: kzbin.info/aero/PLpmpssr45yfOOS-TYl0phuw6MABRVBKPY

[@toddedwards2271]

I see a lot of seed pods on the Japanese maples it's may 10th will the seed pods stay on the tree till the fall or can I pick them now and plant them now

[@trumpthemessiah1238]

I would really love maple trees but I can't find any seeds and buying a mable tree is expensive.

[@ethanwild3301]

So getting the seeds late spring wouldn't work?

[@TonyaA7]

Where did you buy the seeds from? I would love to grow some here in zone 9b...

[@KatrinaTrys]

Heart breaking but I love that you finished the video BECAUSE it's exactly what some of us go through & shows that even the best go through it too!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yeah, hopefully someone else can prevent the same misfortune.

[@turtledovehill3658]

Same thing happened to me last Spring. They were coming up in pots outside, then the chipmunks hit. I'd use a top with holes punched in it I think, or a fine wire mesh cover insert for the ventilation. Dang, I was heartbroken.

[@martinraeside]

I'm so jealous that you have chipmunks. In Scotland we just have native red squirrels and American grey squirrels. Saw chipmunks in Yosemite and was smitten. Also really covet your hummingbirds!

[@turtledovehill3658]

@@martinraeside Ah, so chipmunks are not in the UK at all? Because I saw them in France, or a similar species, they call a "suisse" (like Switzerland, not sure why!). They are cute, I love them too. I'm originally from Nfld, and there were none there either, but someone imported them. Same with toads and the Eastern Red Squirrel (small as the chipmunk). I guess because it's an island, and was cut off already when those creatures arrived. There are also no raccoons, skunks, porcupines, bobcats, white-tailed deer there either. All of those "problem" wildlife.

[@martinraeside]

@@turtledovehill3658 we only have one native squirrel - the European Red squirrel.

[@carolinefrers639]

Awe wow what a finish. I love how I didn’t see it coming from the title. No click-bait titles just real life. There’s always next year and I look forward to doing it then along with you so don’t forget to do it again. Thank you for this today.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome, Caroline! I try to show the failures with the successes. I'll definitely have a better plan next year.

[@pedropereira8924]

That was a nice experience, thanks for sharing!!!

[@melissasullivan1658]

Excellent timing! I was just looking at my maple seed pods and wondering if I could pull it off.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You can definitely pull it off, just don't let the mice get at them, haha

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Mike, I think I'll try this method this coming fall. After seeing the critter's destruction, I'm going to add a sheet of 1/4" hardware cloth over mine to protect the seeds and seedlings. We all learn from successes as well as failures, so thanks for another educational video! ~Margie

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yep, I'm just glad we can all learn from it. 1/4 inch hardware cloth it is!

[@robertdurkin7596]

Very interesting video about Japanese maple seeds, when you throw it out, it spins down, I love them, Good job, Mike !😁😁👋🌿🌿

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, they're fun to throw into the air and watch them twirl down.

[@robertdurkin7596]

@@MikeKincaid79 yes I do as fun! Lol 😂

[@halfanacremom3967]

That’s the best lesson I had about maple seedlings!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Now we know

[@wendythomas4930]

I am so enjoying this! I have a Japanese maple and have never thought of doing this!

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's fun and rewarding. I have a series about how to do this that is 9 videos long and follows the growth over a couple years.

[@arturomanson666]

Thank you so much for all your help I will do the same this year

[@MikeKincaid79]

Good luck

[@walleye855]

awesome. keep'em coming. thank you

[@justinross4770]

I did the fridge method over the winter and got about a dozen sprouts. We got a late freeze early in April and now I only have 2 surviving but happy to have what I do.

[@mountainman78629]

How long do they have to stay cold and how do you do it? Damp, wet, dry?

[@Plantsgeek]

Where did you get the seeds from?

[@rickschulte8594]

Thank you mike, so enjoy your teaching and exploration

[@MikeKincaid79]

You've got it Rick! I appreciate your support.

[@GraysonOD]

What kind of white plastic do you use for your hoop houses and is this plastic good for growing all kinds of saplings/shrubs and plants?

[@MikeKincaid79]

55% shade cloth plastic. It's worked well for me for 12 years and you see what I grow in here.

[@bryan3550]

Thanks for your total honesty, Mike! Such has been my experience trying to germinate seeds and strike cuttings too, but Number One, that's how you learn... Nature produces seeds in profusion simply because the weather is variable and critters have to feed. I kinda prefer to intervene less. What has struck me is that if a plant is doing well in a particular situation, you need to observe it's microclimate and emulate that as best you can. If you can find what you want in your particular region, you're much more likely to be able to propagate it than trying to acclimatizing something new in from elsewhere. That seems to involve luck more than anything else! 😉

[@MikeKincaid79]

I just hope somebody sees this and prevents mice problems with their seeds. I agree with less intervention. In this case, a little hardware cloth would have saved the day but live and learn. I was so focused on birds that I forgot about the mice. Hope they enjoyed their meal.

[@TheMonstrosity4]

I live in California where it’s almost always warm. Do you think the seeds still need to go through some type of cold weather before planting?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, I do

[@fishmut]

Well done , I never did under stand why stratification was a thing when nature does it for you as you found out , I find following what nature does when it comes to seeds makes absolutely sense , even the way a seed falls to the ground and gets planted , take notice , it works , they have tails on those seeds for a reason , for a challenged try planting them vertically with the tails pointing up and the seed buried but the tail visible and see how that goes , this method for me works fantastic with marigolds so I can’t see why this would not work on maple seeds.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yep, I always have better luck when I copy nature.

[@westvalley411]

Nice work, thank you...would seeds germinate if you planted them in the fall and put in hot house. I suppose they germinate based on ambient temperature, or do they need cold to set?

[@MikeKincaid79]

They need a cold stratification period.

[@Gillespie91]

This may be a dumb question, but I just recently bought a Japanese maple tree this year and next year I thought about taking some cuttings to graft. So can I use any hardwood tree or regular maple tree to graft the cuttings to? Or does it need to only be another Japanese maple?

[@MikeKincaid79]

It needs to be a Japanese maple

[@Gillespie91]

Well dang that sucks and has drastically put my plans next year to a end lol I got abunch of 3 to 5ft oaks and different maple trees in the woods behind my house I was gonna use if it would work lol. Thanks for replying and letting me know.

[@tonyday7632]

Timely. I just collected a baggie of red maple seeds that were blowing around on the sidewalk at work yesterday. I'm on the other side of the state in the Tri-Cities. Going in soil this weekend. Thanks Mike.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Good luck!

[@terrymahoney4199]

Ouch. But don't feel bad. Many years ago a bunch of us moved out to the country and planted a garden. This was in Northern Ontario, Canada. Everything was growing really well but, even though it was June, we got a frost warning. My friend decided to stay up all night burning smudge pots to try and ward off the frost. Worked well. When morning came, feeling quite proud, he went home to bed. Sadly, he didn't quite put out the smudge pot fires and the mulch we had between all of the rows caught fire and burnt the garden completely. I still smile when I think of it. Thanks for all the videos.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks for the story.

[@vdefeo12]

I have a dwarf weeping Japanese maple and the seedlings just stated falling off now in May. In watching all of your how to germinate Japanese maple series . It seems that you collect them in November and then store them in fridge till April then propagate them. My question is can I propagate the ones that just fell and I collected, or do I store them in fridge till next April to propagate..

[@MikeKincaid79]

The ones that fall now are not viable. The tree is shedding them because it can't support them all for whatever reason, too dry, too cold, etc. Mine sheds a few every spring as well. The seeds that remain on the tree need to fully ripen through the summer, just like an apple or any other fruit.

[@thanhnguyenthien690]

Hi Mike, could you tell me what you did with your japanese maple after they germinated to get such a great thick trunk and lots of branches just after a few years. Did you prune the top regularly?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I only pruned the top once a couple years ago, and that helps, but these are like 4 years old now I think so that is a big contributing factor. They really need to get out of these pots, lol. Or I suppose they would make great bonsai stock!

[@thanhnguyenthien690]

@@MikeKincaid79 yes making Japanese maple bonsai is also a great idea, I would love to see how far they can go if you trim roots and put some of them back in half gallon pot!!!

[@milliekeim2250]

How do you make the fine fir bark soil? Can it be bought already mixed? Thanks for your help!

[@MikeKincaid79]

I buy mine by the dump truck load from a local landscape supply business.

[@sperovillioti8692]

Hi Mike I really enjoy you video’s they are really informative, l watched the one about rose cuttings, l have seen many videos about that but yours is the best. So l am trying it out, l tried before with sticking them in potato’s but the cuttings rotted, but the potato’s grew. Thank you for the great videos, cheers from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad you enjoy the videos, Spero. Good luck with your roses!

[@angeliquemohs4706]

OMG this was amazing! I was so invested in those little seed sprouts! In only about 13 mins I was already rooting (lol) for them so hard. You did Great video story building on this because I was so heartbroken when you told us about the mouse. I also thank you for still publishing this video, because as heartbreaking as watching this was’ you have definitely helped us know what to protect our own plants from. My humorous thought was that maybe catnip being grown around the maple seedlings may be helpful. Lol

[@MikeKincaid79]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. Love the catnip idea, lol

[@marciahofer4502]

Hi Mike! Those critters can get through very small spaces, bummer! I have a question for you. I saw a beautiful and unusual Maple tree this spring, collected a couple seeds. Due to our health issues I forgot them. They are dried out now. Will they still germinate?

[@MikeKincaid79]

You can get them to germinate but you'll want to soak them overnight to rehydrate and it may take up to a year for them to germinate.

[@pattimears200]

I have just had them come up in this spring in flower pots that was close by my Japanese Maple! I’m really excited to see if they will make it ....I would love to plant each one in a individual pot and let them grow big enough to put out in other parts of our yard! 😃🤞🤞🤞

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! Water them well through the summer and I'm sure they'll do well. You can separate them and re-pot into individual pots in the late winter.

[@nydiataylor8803]

Oh! Iam so sorry, about what happened. But wasn't a total loss because I learned a good lesson from that. Do them inside and do the fridge thing. Thank you for you great help and the teaching video.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome Nydia! Glad you learned from the video. It's getting closer to seed picking time!

[@rjayt88]

Do you have any idea what percent of the seeds germinated? I tried something similar, but just planted one seed in different peat pots. So far one out of 9 has germinated. I still have more seeds in the fridge. I guess if no more germinate over the next week I will start putting more of them in.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I never count them since I'm dealing with so many but I just eyeball it. Usually, the majority germinate with this method and they were starting to show a lot of promise here until the mouse problem.

[@rjayt88]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thanks. That's what I assumed when I watched the video. At least I got one to germinate. I will start putting more seeds in to see if I can get any more.

[@IwillloveU4ever10]

Very Important lesson. Thanks Mike. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@MikeKincaid79]

No problem. Hopefully this will save a few people's seedlings in the future.

[@RCCRAYZ]

I have had very great success doing it your way the past 2 years. My problems are the pests that come around, actually the other problem is they started germinating in the fridge waaaaaaay too early. So I may just try letting them do it naturally, I've had good results with other seeds just potting them up in December and letting them wake up with everything else.

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

I can relate to those kinds of challenges. They happen. I have thought about creating 1/4 inch hardware cloth covers for times I am doing stuff like that. I'm glad you show the failures and figuring out why. It helps us all grow in knowledge.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I was so depressed when I saw this, but I wanted to post it to help others prevent the mistake.

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

@@MikeKincaid79 Very understandable.

[@nauticalnovice9244]

I'm going to try this, I have collected some seeds from a different tree species but it has very similar seeds. And I'm not a fan of those commercial fertilisers, I prefer to just blend some "weeds" and pour that onto the soil.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds interesting

[@missingmoosefarms3692]

I really want to try this one day.

[@MikeKincaid79]

How about this fall. Start collecting seeds and you can have maple seedling sprouting next spring.

[@hollywoodmomof3]

Hi! Found your channel here while searching how to propagate hydrangea cuttings! I’m so inspired and anxious to get something started! I ordered butterfly bush seeds from Etsy and wondered if this method would work with them? I appreciate any correspondence! :)

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad you found the channel. I'm not familiar with butterfly bush seeds so I'd have to research it but something tells me you can just plant them right away and they'll germinate.

[@robchambers3735]

Hi Mike, I had 8 maple seedlings germinate but something has been eating the base of the stems. I haven’t seen any signs of insects. Any ideas what it could be and how to prevent them getting eaten?

[@MikeKincaid79]

The biggest culprits here are ants and mice

[@noahnewman8264]

It worked with some big leaf maples out here in Puyallup! Got a couple sprouts when I checked the other day. I'm wondering what medium I should plant them in for the next couple of years before I get them in the ground!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You can plant seeds in just about anything. A good potting soil will do the trick.

[@teBteam]

Hey, when harvasting the seeds from the tree, do you use the seeds that have fallen to the ground or can you use the seeds that are still attached to the tree?

[@MikeKincaid79]

You can use both, and I do.

[@teBteam]

@@MikeKincaid79 thankss

[@tonimagery]

Do you think if you lived in a warmer climate, you would recommend the refrigerator method?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Absolutely. They need that cold stratification period.

[@lucymichigan8701]

Hi MIke: I've had the most amazing experience with my JM seeds over the past year...well, 2 years in total. I collected a batch of seeds; popped them into bags in the fridge until they showed roots; had a lot of them germinate; almost lost most of them to mold; managed to get a lot of them back to good health and out in the yard in small pots. When I was potting up the JM babies I didn't use all the soil from the bin they had germinated in but apparently had just put the bin aside after digging around in it for the seedlings. So fast forward a few months and imagine my surprise when I happened to look into the bin to find JM seeds germinating all over the place!!! This is after 2 "winters": one in the fridge and one outdoors in the bin with the lid on all winter! One thing that's very interesting is that the 2 winter seedlings grew much faster and larger than the seedlings from the initial sowing. I'm both delighted and very pleased!! Interesting or what?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Very cool! As you now know, they'll germinate and grow very well after the second year. It is definitely interesting that they grew better the second year and I appreciate you sharing that. I love these Japanese Maple Seeds. Got a batch "cookin" right now, lol.

[@lucymichigan8701]

@@MikeKincaid79 I do know this now and it was so interesting! How can I deliberately duplicate this when I sow this year's batch?

[@joakimfurtadovieirachahrou7345]

"There's always next year" that's the spirit!

[@litsnombre6390]

one important info that we learned is maple seed will also germinate even without stratification...thanks for this!

[@wraith313]

Do the seeds on japanese maples need to be cold stratified? Maybe I missed it. I have silver maples around me, they flower, make seeds, and drop seeds prior to leaves forming in spring but their seeds will basically germinate the second they hit the ground. For reference, I'm in Virginia, so there's no freeze/thaw after winter for the most part.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, they need a cold stratification period.

[@goodboi4939]

I get mine from Yugen Bonsai, I’ve tried Colorado Blue Spruce so far and had luck with it. Japanese maple is my first time working with it

[@donnagarcia1884]

Hello Mike .. that is very interesting to see those red maple seeds .. at first glance I thought it's a red leaves bur when after planting they showed pretty tiny plants .. can't wait to see how those beauties to show their full blown Japanese Maple Plant ... I have not seen this kind of plant. Looking forward to your next video of your Japanese Maple Plant .. God Bless .. cheers

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks 👍

[@TheTinkerersWife]

Ah yes, the reality of outdoor germination. Good lesson here.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, glad we all learned something, lol.

[@Thorn99855]

I like to shoot for a middle ground. Usually my seedlings are more robust if started outdoors but there are more dangers at ground level (or in some cases if they aren't a row crop it can be hard deciphering weeds from desirables). If they are sown in containers you can put them up on top of a table on a porch or basically anywhere out of "smell range" and they tend to be left alone. A covering is double insurance. Plus most of the pests are nocturnal, so more protection at night makes sense.

[@sonyamartin6217]

I put Amur Maple seeds into cactus soil seed edge in only, watered and now outside, covered with a bit of compost and left to the spring weather. Waiting for results. Have even found an oak seed growing in the grass from the winter- so wild keys end up everywhere with out the perfect handling. I’m interested to see what happens. Late freezes happen naturally & you’ ll still get some sprouts.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks for sharing

[@pirilu2371]

I appreciate you also sharing your failures! Gives us normal people hope that we are not alone!

[@MikeKincaid79]

We're all in this together.

[@corneliabojnec9605]

what happened to the only red stem that sprouted? I'm interested because this spring in Belgium, I picked up such a shoot and placed it in a pot with a little hormodine. I covered it with a plastic bottle top. even a single small sprout is worth saving, in my opinion.

[@MikeKincaid79]

They all got eaten but the mice. I left it alone and the stem didn't make it.

[@denisemcdermott3747]

Hi Mike, love ur KZbin channel. Quick question, my Japanese maple seedlings are getting to big for my tote. What would u advise to protect them from animals & bad weather. I don’t have a green house or a hoop house and we have cats, dogs, birds, squirrels & foxes come into our garden (though not all at the same time 😂). Thanks for any advise.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Once they get growing and start getting their true leaves, they really don't need protection. Most animals won't bother them, except maybe deer, but if you're worried, you can make a cover with chicken wire or something similar.

[@douglaszeeff8052]

I have used pretty much the same method for Trident Maples for a couple years now with very good results. The only difference is I put a layer of 1/2” hardware cloth and then a layer of aluminum screen to cover them and the raised planter sits outside all winter. Our North Carolina winters are cold enough for stratification but not cold enough to harm the seedings.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yeah, I'm definitely going to have to invest in some hardware cloth this fall.

[@midsouthhomestead9180]

Awe! Dang! I did what you said by putting them in the refrigerator over winter. I put them in a small patch under a big cedar tree. I will let you know how they do. Oh, here in Southwest Tn they certainly have not dried out! Rhonda

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'd love to hear how they do.

[@chompers11]

Yo mike I'm itching to pot up some acer circinatum seedlings and also some Japanese maples, do I REALLY need to wait for the first true leaves?? I potted up a big leaf maple without true leaves and it's doing seemingly fine. Thoughts? Wait another week or two?? Dang I dont want to haha

[@MikeKincaid79]

If it’s working for you then go ahead and pot them up now. I just wait to make sure they’re ready.

[@chompers11]

@@MikeKincaid79 it started hailing yesterday during the first couple I was like OK fine I get it ill wait

[@johannamarsh8464]

Your initial experiment worked. That was enough to help us. We all know things happen. I put out jelly for the Baltimore Orioles and all of a sudden a chipmunk is eating the jelly. LOL. It is fun to watch on my deck. I put a japanese seedling in a small pot and brought it in The house. It started to grow and I was so thrilled but then it died. 😞. Thank you for all your special videos. 🥰

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome Johanna. Sorry to hear about your seedling. As you know, it doesn't always go our way but nature is always entertaining and educational if we're willing to watch and listen.

[@copaciornamentali-br9bh]

I do this too: I sow seeds in autumn in pots and leave them under the nature's elements in a forest like environment (high humidity, winter freeze). From my experience, about 10% sprout next spring and most of the remaining seeds sprout in the second spring.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes! That's a great observation. I usually get many of them to germinate the 2nd year.

[@aaronwilliamson4045]

Mike, I guess with your greenhouse/cold frame modifications you are planning some shelves. I'd recommend shelves, grow lights, and heat mats with BN-LINK thermostats and timers. It opens up a whole new world of possibilities... Possibly a green house inside the greenhouse with additional heat besides the lights and heat mats. You will love it.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks for the suggestions. The new cold frame would be just a cold frame to replace the one I have but I do have thoughts of building a large greenhouse that's fully heated with benches and all the works.

[@karenbethell3561]

It’s end of may and I’ve got seeds from a couple Japanese maples. Is there anything I can do with them at this time of year?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Nope, just leave them on the tree to continue developing. They need to fully mature first.

[@strangedays2010]

I would think you can still try to germinate them and grow them out depending on weather right? And then take indoor with grow lights?

[@strangedays2010]

That's my plan. I decided to finally germinate some seeds I got that came in a bonsai kit. Finally have 1 of the 4 types popping out the soil. Seed shell is still hangin on 😋

[@garyunderwood7255]

Hi Mike I enjoy watching your videos, I live in the uk ,we don’t have Japanese maple trees where you can walk down the road a collect seeds, can I ask do you ever sell your maple seeds?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'd love to but there's just not enough to go around. I'd have to spend most of my life for about 2 weeks collecting them. My recommendation is to buy a couple small trees and in a few years you'll start getting seeds.

[@garyunderwood7255]

Hi Mike thank you for getting back to me, I will have a look out to purchase some maples, I would just like to say keep up with the videos, they are great.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks so much Gary, love making them.

[@samuelwall4034]

Hey Mike great video as always! I just started to get serious about starting a nursery and the first thing I've got is some Japanese maples! So this video is perfectly timed for what I'm doing! Also really sad that a mouse got into those seeds, but we learn from mistakes, and next time you start seeds I got a good feeling they are going to do great!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Samuel. Next year I'm investing in 1/4 inch hardware cloth.

[@oldmilkmaid1955]

I've done both methods - fridge stratification, and in-soil strat over winter in my little unheated greenhouse. I believe the in-soil strat produced stronger plants, and I DID cover mine because I DO have mice, chipmunks, little red squirrels, and whatever else can dig under the base of my greenhouse - or attack outdoor pots. The one dishpan full of babies is now a year old and wintered-over outside the whole time, under my little redbud tree, mulched with leaves so the critters didn't find them, and they're doing GREAT. I have other seedlings potted in clear plastic 16-oz. Walmart cups, wintered out in my propagation bed, and they're leafing out fine, too. . . . When I went in search of new seeds last fall, there wasn't ONE to be found! We had late freezes last spring, followed by a hot, dry summer, and there were no seeds on the Japanese maples - I go to town to find them, as they're so common everywhere. I won't have any to germinate this spring, but I'll sure be watching to see what seeds develop this summer, and up-potting the babies I do have!

[@lucymichigan8701]

I couldn't find many seeds at all when I was looking at the same time you were but this past November (2022) the JM trees were just covered in seeds!!!

[@stevemills3397]

I have tiny japanese maple trees coming up in my yard from the neighbors tree next door. Can I pot them up and raise them. How long do I wait before moving them or should I ask how big should I let them get before trying to move them? Thank Mike

[@MikeKincaid79]

Move them right now before the summer. Yes, you can absolutely grow them up into big healthy trees.

[@elparaisodedenis]

Amazing Mike as always, greetings from Serbia !

[@MikeKincaid79]

Many thanks!

[@rustymcnitt5508]

Hi Mike! I'm still sitting here listening to your video. But wanted to let you know that 2 of my Japanese maples that I have in large barrel containers did not make it after the last cold snap we had for a week. Plus 3 of my favorite plants that I've had for 10 yrs plus also died. I sat here for a whole day crying. The other 3 were a hibiscus, about 5' tall, a Japanese firebush that igrew from a small plant in 2003, and a boganvillia that started out as a hanging plant and grew to be in a large barrel planter. Had the last 3 in my greenhouse but just couldn't keep it to the temperature I needed. So many years and they're all gone. I also did an experiment with one of my Japanese maples. I took all the seeds off planted them around the tree in the barrel, covered with soil and then bark mulch. I had one starting to come up it was about a inch tall and then we got a down pour of rain and wind. Broke the baby plant and owits gone. Makes wonder if someone is trying to tell me something.??? I still have some Japanese maple seeds in the refrigerator so may try one more time. Was wondering if you were able to have any luck with the ones I sent you?? Great video by the way and I think I would declare war on said mouse. Strange I've never had that problem, but come late spring I have an abundance of baby lizard eggs in different stages of hatching. Was moving one once and the little bugger opened up in my hand and then took off. Originally I didn't have very many but have them everywhere now. So when it's hot in the summertime I leave the bottoms of flower pot dishes with water for them. Sorry this got so long again but its been a while and enjoy your videos so much. Hope this finds all well with you and family. Best always Rusty

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks Rusty, I haven't started the seeds yet but still have them. Just have so many projects going on. Maybe it's time to get them going.

[@rustymcnitt5508]

I understand completely was just curious. Still having ulnar issues but making progress. But its hindering my progress around the yard. Lot of projects that I want to try and get done this year. Have a great weekend Rusty

[@c_daily27]

Hello sir, i want ask. The soil must keep How much maximum degrees when seed planting is?

[@jacksonye1325]

Hello Mike, I know this is weird that I left a personal question under the common area, but I am so worried about my Acer mono Maxim recently. I bought from online without leaves on July 4th, it's about 27 inches tall with a healthy root ball on. Now it's been 14 days since I planted in a pot, but I still not seeing any new leaves pop out so far. I have asked several maple vendors or buyers, they all don't know how to deal with it, because the stand is still green, I really don't want to give up on it. I am so desired your suggestion and help, please give me some advice or solution that can save this plant. God bless you.

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's hard to say what's wrong without seeing it or understanding how the tree has been grown but I would just leave it alone, keep it watered, and give it time. It will either make it or not and there isn't much else you can do. Keep it in a shadier location during this time while it's recovering.

[@jacksonye1325]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thanks for your answer, last night I was wondering maybe it has been in the shade for too long on the balcony and didn't get much truly direct morning sunlight for the past half a month, but I'll keep trying and water it as you suggested and place it to somewhere with good morning sunlight take good care of it till it grows new leaves. by the way, I have been following you for the last few months and watched your whole series of the maple tree and propagation videos. I think you've made awesome videos and I was like watching Hollywood films during the time. by the end please allow me to share the happiness with you when I bring my maple tree back alive within the next few weeks : )

[@RCCRAYZ]

I am actually "experimenting" this way too this year, but I have a bag in the fridge for backup 😂🤣 just in case. I always have success the way you showed us with the bags tho. I'm using dirt from a bag of soil. I think I'll experiment next winter with leaves instead of dirt.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Experimenting is always a good thing. There may be an even better way out there yet to be discovered.

[@Gnarmarmilla]

“May our failures liberate our successes…” One things for sure, won’t get eaten by Mr. Mouse next time… Thank you very much for doing that experiment. Sorry for that misfortune. I admire your positive attitude through it.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Love that quote. And you're right, they won't get eaten again!

[@RRAMir]

You are successful because you are not afraid of sharing failures.... 🌸🌺🌼

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thank you, I hope others can learn from them.

[@RRAMir]

@@MikeKincaid79 just like me evey other person is learning definitely.. 🎋🌳🌷🌹

[@LemonsGraphics]

Just a question once they start germinating can you not take them inside?

[@MikeKincaid79]

You can, but what would be the advantage?

[@lyudmylasakharova1005]

Nice video! Thanks

[@mamasgardenhouse]

Great video MK. Is that a shoe box you used? Can you link to that you used as the container?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I bought these at Costo many years ago. They came in a group of 6 if I remember right. Not sure if they're still selling them.

[@mamasgardenhouse]

Awesome. Yes I know which they are but the ones I bought were shoe box size. But you gave me a great idea. Thx again.

[@lorettaching6778]

You said Keep it outside in the winter time, what is the temperature in winter ? In Canada weather is minus 20 to 30 do you think it is too cold for them?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Do Japanese Maple trees grow in Canada? If so, they should be just fine.

[@waltergonzalez5405]

Is there a certain window when the new seedlings are vulnerable from birds and mice? If they had been inside, when is it safe to bring them out again?

[@MikeKincaid79]

They're mostly vulnerable as small seedlings in the early spring. Once the weather warms, the mice have plenty to eat and I don't have problems through the summer with mice.

[@martystevens2313]

I think they are a perfect candidate for winter sowing in milk jugs. They can stay protected until they are about 8" tall.

[@MikeKincaid79]

That sounds like a great idea!

[@darlenerossiter9511]

Hi Mike, do you sell some of the Japanese maple seeds, thinking 10 seeds? If so what would you sell them for, or would you donate some?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I wish I could but I get so many requests and there just aren't enough to go around. I suggest buying a couple trees and growing them. Then you'll have all the seeds you want!

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Oh Man, I'm excited just watching 👀 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

[@MikeKincaid79]

It was a fun project and works well, just have to keep the mice out.

[@mojtabadolaty9375]

Mike it’s excellent

[@machinaprivada]

Ever notice how symmetrical Mike's hand gestures are? This is something I've noted about him and some other focused, high-performing people. Makes you think!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha, I could tell you some funny stories about my personal unconscious and conscious symmetry addiction, lol. I think it’s some kind of low level OCD. My oldest daughter has the gene too and we tease each other cause we notice when the other is doing something OCD, haha

[@machinaprivada]

@@MikeKincaid79 that's pretty funny! I am enjoying the inspiring videos, thanks! I love the idea of making something from nothing. In fact I was inspired to collect Japanese maple seeds today which some are already germinating with about quarter inch root tips poking out. Think I'll be okay if I plant them right away?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yeah, if they’re germinating then get them planted.

[@markwalker960]

Very cool Mister Mike.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks Mark. I was hoping for a few updates but I think this one is dead, lol

[@damnshowdude]

I have hundreds pop up so far in my first try. Soaked them and drained the water. Left them in fridge for 3 months til they popped. Now we have 3 huge tupperwares full of hundreds of them. Easy!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Nice!

[@fburnsDubstepEnderFox]

My yard is filled with these guys and they're trying to sprout everywhere.😅

[@chrismoogalian8139]

Damn mouse! I’ve got hundreds of Japanese maple helicopters I’m about to try to germinate indoors!! Thanks for the vid!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Good luck and learn from my mistake, lol

[@chrismoogalian8139]

@@MikeKincaid79 have you ever tried crape myrtles I have 7 full grow trees on my property with I estimate 30,000 seeds to possibly germinate do you think I should cut them off now?

[@JJ-gt2po]

Hey Mike, that was, to say the least, SAD! I may have already ask this, but, the mind!🙄😁Anyway, since the Japanese’s Bloodgood is grafted, will the seeds produce a Bloodgood? Thanks Also, do you sell you’re plants to viewers or anyone?

[@MikeKincaid79]

It was very sad. I thought I'd give you guys the full experience I had when I lifted the lid. Now we'll be prepared for next year. No, the seeds of a Bloodgood won't produce a Bloodgood. You have to graft it to get a specific cultivar. I do occasionally sell plants retail but not often. Is there something in particular that you're interested in?

[@JJ-gt2po]

@@MikeKincaid79 oh yes! I would love to have 2 Blood good from you! I love you’re videos and have followed many things you’ve suggested and have had really good success ! I love cuttings and experiment. I’ve been at it for Nearly 50 yrs. my first was 20 wax leaf ligustrum! They all made it! Covered my long fence. Although we no longer live there but when I go by it’s very satisfying to see how wonderful they look!

[@mike73miller]

Same exact thing happened to me but after the mouse ate a couple I put the container up on a table in the middle of my deck where it was safe. I now have 16 Japanese maple seedlings.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! Yeah, I wish I would have caught it sooner but by the time I checked it, the damage was at 100%.

[@laurasgarden2039]

It’s April of 2022 I noticed my green Japanese maple tree sprouted seeds that look just like this it’s the first year it gives me seeds I’m in central California. When should I take them off the tree to try to germinate them ?

[@MikeKincaid79]

They aren't ready yet. Leave them on the tree until the leaves start falling off. In my area, that's usually November but it may be a little later in your area.

[@martystevens2313]

I thought they have to have grafted rootstock? Would a sapling grown from seed survive zone 5 with it's own roots?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, I'm fairly certain it will survive. Maples can take extreme cold temps. I actually grow these seeds for root stock and then graft known cultivars onto them.

[@alfonsoalmendariz3325]

What type of soil did Mike start off with?

[@lorettaching6778]

In between the time From November to March do you need to water them ? Thanks

[@MikeKincaid79]

Keep them moist but don't overwater them. While it's cold, you shouldn't really have to water them more than once or twice the whole winter.

[@ForestExotics]

Thanks for the video

[@MikeKincaid79]

You’re welcome

[@mrkodvco8051]

some maple seeds have grown on my tree a couple days ago, when should I harvest them?

[@MikeKincaid79]

In the late fall.

[@mrkodvco8051]

@@MikeKincaid79 alright thanks 👍

[@MrStoppingallstation]

That was so unfortunate! Good lesson for us all to really watch out for those hungry mice who had a feast on your hard work!

[@MikeKincaid79]

At least the mice are happy

[@TacticalAbsentee]

I did not know mice or birds would eat seedlings, so that's a great heads up, thanks for taking the time to do this Mike

[@GraffitiKitty1]

Can you trick them into germinating on any month with indoor lighting/warmth?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, you can, after they've gone through a period of stratification.

[@alvin9882]

can you collect and germinate them when they are still green and not yet dried?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Nope, you’ve got to wait until they are fully ripe in the fall.

[@waltergonzalez5405]

Thank you for sharing

[@MikeKincaid79]

My pleasure

[@oracles-x1578]

Hi Mike, I have 4 small about 12 " tall (JAPANESE MAPLE INABA SHIDARE) how early can I plant them in the ground. I live in Niagara area.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Japanese maple trees are extremely cold hardy. You can plant them in the ground now and they should do well. Being so small, you'll want to mulch them really well, keep watered through the summer, and you may need to protect from the weight of snow for the first winter or 2.

[@preston2747]

Does there have to be two maples beside each other for the seeds to be viable?

[@MikeKincaid79]

So I just looked it up and learned something I didn't know. Japanese maples are self-pollinating so you only need one.

[@joeryan9166]

I put some maple seeds in a plastic bin similar in size to the one you just put them in. I watered them but only one thing I worry about. I don’t have holes in the bottom of the bin Bc my parents use it to put cookies in and stuff, so they won’t let me put holes in the bottom. Is this a dealbreaker? Or will I be fine without holes in the bottom?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Holes in the bottom are best to help with drainage. I have holes in the bottom of mine.

[@joeryan9166]

@@MikeKincaid79 yeah I poked some holes in the bottom with a hammer and nail, but the holes are fairly small, so I’m not sure if they would help very much.

[@j.j.carroll653]

How would that type of tree Grow in Newfoundland Canada ?? were can I get some seeds , been lucky so far with the RED maple and the Green leaf maple trees

[@MikeKincaid79]

These are red maples so if you’ve had luck growing yours there then these would grow well too.

[@treypitchford1516]

Some of my seeds that I picked in November is already sprouting out the roots I planted the seeds does that mean they will live or die

[@MikeKincaid79]

They will live!