Growing Japanese Red Maples from seed

When I moved into my present home in Bainbridge, my mom gave me a Japanese Red Maple as a housewarming gift. It sits healthily and proudly at the entrance to my driveway. I doubt I could afford to replace it if it dies--mature JRMs are, to put it mildly, spendy.

Our friend Mike McGroarty sends more good landscape advice, this time about how to grow a JRM without breaking your budget.

Japanese Red Maples are a lot easier to grow from seed than you think. But you have to trick the seeds so they germinate right away. I have detailed instructions on my web site. See this page for details and a video.

As you drive around start looking for Japanese Red Maple trees that you can collect some seeds from. Around here [Ohio] they are everywhere. Parks, cemeteries, office buildings, and private yards. Just make sure you ask permission first so you don't get into trouble!

Our backyard growers buy Japanese Red Maples for as little as $1.35 each, grow them a few years and sell them for as much as $45.00. They really are popular plants. [note: prices in Kitsap County are comparable.]

Thanks, Mike!