Grow Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) from seed for an ornamental tree or long-term bonsai project. Select 20, 25 or 30 seeds. Seedlings are genetically variable and will not reproduce a named cultivar or exact red foliage from seed.
Key Features
- Choose 20, 25 or 30 seeds
- Deciduous ornamental tree for temperate gardens
- Suitable for patient bonsai training
- Cold stratification is normally required
What's in the Pack
One packet containing the quantity shown in the selected option. Seeds only; seedlings and trained bonsai trees are not included. The label “Acer palmatum B” is a supplier identifier and does not establish a separate cultivar.
Planting Instructions
Cold Stratification
Soak seeds for 24–48 hours, then place them in a barely moist sterile medium inside a sealed bag. Refrigerate at approximately 34–41°F for about 90–120 days. Check periodically for mold and early roots.
Sowing
After stratification, sow about 1/4 inch deep in a well-drained seed-starting mix. Keep evenly moist in a protected outdoor or cool bright location. Germination can be slow and uneven, and some viable seeds may wait until a later cycle.
Seedling Care
Protect young seedlings from hot afternoon sun, drying wind and waterlogged soil. Transplant carefully after a strong root system develops.
Growing Information
| Botanical name |
Acer palmatum |
| Life cycle |
Deciduous perennial tree |
| Light |
Morning sun to partial shade |
| Hardiness |
Commonly USDA zones 5–8, depending on local conditions |
| Water |
Even moisture with good drainage |
| Project length |
Long-term tree or bonsai growing project |
Foliage Expectations
Fall color and summer leaf tone vary among seedlings and with climate, light and age. The “Red” selection describes the supplier's parent/source type; persistent red foliage is not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will every seed germinate?
No. Woody seed germination is naturally variable and depends heavily on dormancy treatment, freshness and temperature.
Can Japanese maple live indoors?
It is a temperate deciduous tree that needs outdoor seasonal cycles. Bonsai specimens are normally grown outdoors and protected from extremes.
Will seedlings match a named cultivar?
No. Named Japanese maple cultivars are usually propagated vegetatively, not reproduced true from seed.
Please note: No organic, cultivar or exact foliage-color certification is claimed.
