Seeds of Acer Palmatum Matsumurae "Waterfall"

Sowing Acer (maple) seeds is a common method for growing these magnificent trees, but there are a few specifics to consider to ensure successful germination. Acer trees include many species, such as the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), and sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus). Here are the steps to sow maple seeds:

---

### **Materials required:**
- **Acer** seeds.
- Well-draining, light and slightly acidic substrate (seedling compost, mixture of sand and soil).
- Pots or seed trays.
- Plastic bag or box for lamination.
- Watering can or spray bottle.
- A cool space or refrigerator for cold stratification (if necessary).

---

### **Steps for sowing Acer seeds:**

#### 1. **Seed preparation:**
Maple seeds are usually **samaras**, which are seeds with a characteristic wing that allows for wind dispersal. These seeds often require a **cold stratification treatment** to stimulate germination.

- **Cold stratification**:
- **When to Stratify**: If you sow maple seeds in the fall, they can naturally undergo cold stratification during the winter. However, if you sow in the spring or winter, it is best to stratify the seeds by placing them in a **plastic bag** with **damp sand** or **damp peat**, then placing them in a refrigerator at a temperature of **4°C** for **4 to 6 weeks**.
- This cold period is crucial for the seeds to break dormancy and germinate successfully.

#### 2. **Substrate preparation:**
Prepare a light, well-draining substrate to promote maple seed germination. A mixture of **seedling soil** and **perlite** or **sand** is ideal.

- Moisten the substrate before sowing the seeds. It should be moist, but not soggy.

---

#### 3. **Sowing the seeds:**
Once you have stratified the seeds (if necessary), you can move on to sowing:

- **In pots or seed trays**:
- Fill **pots** or **seedling trays** with the prepared substrate.
- Sow the seeds **1 cm deep**. Avoid burying them too deep, as they need light to germinate.
- If you sow several seeds in the same pot or tray, space them **2 to 3 cm** apart to prevent them from competing with each other during germination.

- **Sowing in open ground**:
- You can sow the seeds directly into the ground, but make sure to choose a well-drained and sunny spot. Sow the seeds at a depth of **1 to 2 cm**, spacing them about **5 to 10 cm**.

---

#### 4. **Germination conditions:**
- **Temperature**: Maple seeds generally germinate best at a temperature of **15°C to 20°C**. Therefore, it is recommended to sow the seeds indoors during spring if you do not have favorable outdoor temperatures.
- **Light**: Maple seeds need light to germinate, so don't bury them too deep.
- **Humidity**: Keep the substrate moist but not soggy. Use a **spray bottle** to gently moisten the soil.
- **Germination**: Maple seeds should begin to germinate within **4 to 8 weeks**, depending on temperature and humidity conditions.

---

#### 5. **Care after germination:**
- **Watering**: Once the seeds have germinated and young seedlings are visible, water them regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. Humidity should be constant but moderate.
- **Light**: Young plants should receive plenty of **indirect light**, but not direct sunlight, as this could burn the young leaves.
- **Pest Protection**: Monitor young plants for signs of disease or insect pests, such as aphids.

---

#### 6. **Transplanting and planting in open ground:**
- **When to transplant**: When the young plants have developed their first true leaves and are approximately **5 to 10 cm** tall, you can transplant them into individual pots.
- **In the ground**:
- When the plants reach **15 to 20 cm** in height, they can be transplanted into the ground. Choose a location in **full sun** or **partial shade**, with **well-drained** and **moderately fertile** soil.
- Plant young trees **2 to 3 meters** apart to allow them to develop properly.

---

### **Additional Tips:**
1. **Mulching**: Apply a little **mulch** around young plants to maintain moisture and prevent weeds.
2. **Staking**: If necessary, install stakes to support the young plants until they are strong enough to stand on their own.
3. **Patience**: Maple trees can grow relatively slowly, so be patient and continue to care for young trees as they develop.