Hi, I have access to a large number of acer palmatum variant seeds, which are still on trees at the moment (UK - October 1st). The question is at what time can these seeds be picked to ensure their germination viabilty?. The seeds are completely green in colour at the moment, and none have started to turn brown, however because of the time of year would it be suitable to hand pick these seeds off the trees in their current state and the cold freeze them for early planting spring next year? Do I have to wait any longer ?, its easier to hand pick seeds in bunches!. Also if the seeds are picked now, and cold stored, should they be left to dry out slightly to ensure that moisture from the seed wing is minimsed to prevent unnesssary rot when in cold storage? Thanks Rivachaz
Pick when some browning becomes visible. Plant and give cold treatment by placing planted pots/flats in cold frame or cold greenhouse.
Harvesting Japanese Maple seed Best time to pick the seed is when the ends of the samara have turned brown. No way to ensure germination. For insurance see Lloyd's of London. Take steps to store seed and process with care and good germination should take place. Sow fresh or spread seed in box tops to dry, then store in paper bags in refrigerator or other cool place. I leave mine in the garage. Protect from rodents and any other possible pests. In December I soak my seed in containers with initially 110 to 120 degree water. Let sit for 48 hours, cooling. I then drain the water off and place in baggies with equal amount of sphagnum Peat moss and vermiculite. 50% seed + 50% substrate. Add a pinch, about 1/4 teaspoon, of Captan. Mix thoroughly, add just enough water to moisten mix, slightly moist not wet, seal and store in cold part of refrigerator, about 39 to 41 degrees. I then wait for the root radicals to show. Probably about 3 months or so before planting. There are other ways of achieving the same results. I know of a grower who stores large multitudes of moist seed in large garbage bags in the cooler and he has thousands of seedlings as a result.
Captan Gomero, Captan is a fungicide. Usually in wettable powder form. If you can get it, use a dust mask and latex gloves when handling it. Other fungicdes will also do. Which ones? You'll have to research it. Jim, is Captan still in use in California?
Captan may be available here as combo with Carbaryl in fruit tree spray product. No powders that I know of.
Captan reply Yes, Captan is still registered in California for usage on crops, mainly Fruit & Nut Trees. For certain crops such as Strawberries a "special use" permit must be filed with the County Ag Commissioner's Office prior to its usage. Under Proposition 65 guidelines all workers that come into contact with the spray, the applicator and those tank mixing the chemical, must be notified of the impending spray and are to take precautionary steps to protect themselves. Over the counter Captan for the home gardener is tougher to find on the shelves now and has been for almost 2 years, although most any local Farm Supply store will have it available for the home owner. Jim
Talked to M. Lee, Colvos Creek nursery, Vashon, WA about this as I remembered him saying something about it in the past. He said various sources advocate picking and sowing maple seeds while still fresh and green, with germination higher than if they are allowed to harden and dry first.
Yes, as Elmore says, any fungicide should do. I've read somewhere that you can use foot powder which usually contains a fungicide for 'athlete's foot' and similar fungal ailments. I've added some to the mix in which I placed my acer palmatum, shirasawanum and japonicum seeds before placing in the refrigerator earlier this week. JOS
"Yes, as Elmore says, any fungicide should do." I didn't exactly say that. I said "Other fungicides will also do.". I believe that the fungicide used should be species specific. For instance, and I may be wrong but, I don't think that Daconil 2787 would be a fungicide that would prevent the molds that would likely develop in your stratifying seeds. I could be wrong but I have not researched it much. I have a good supply of Captan and it works well. Some others have mentioned using herbs, maybe chamomile.
