My Tsukushigata (large 10g pot) has a number of seed pods on it, and I am wondering if I can 'plant' them in the soil around the tree and have a reasonable expectation that they will sprout come spring? If so, how deep should I put them? The pot will be outside, but sheltered, for winter. Never tried starting maple seeds, so not too sure what would be involved - just figured I have some, be a shame to not try at least. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
They should sprout in the spring, unless mice or squirrels or birds eat them first - which is likely to happen with most of them, unless you provide some protection. The simplest is to harvest the seeds when they're ripe (turn brown), and store them in some damp sand in the fridge at around +1°C until spring, and plant them out then.
Another approach, which I've used for years: collect seed, ideally when the wings begin to brown; dry them out a little for a day or two; put them in a flat in the top 1/4 inch or so of a free-draining potting mix; cover with something to keep squirrels out--I wrap the flat in plastic window screen; put them outside and forget about them until spring. I get great germination every spring this way, and you can choose the ones you want to grow on once they have true leaves. Good luck--this is the part of collecting maples that is the most fun.
I will give it a shot then, thank you for the suggestions. We have a big squirrel population here - mature pin oaks, cottonwoods, maples... - so I will definitely have to do something to prevent them from getting at the seeds. The seed pods are still quite a bright green, so I will hold off on picking them. However, I think there is one, maybe two, seed pods on my Nuresagi that look more brown/dry. Have to see if I can find them.
