How Do You Harvest Maple Tree Seeds For Planting?
Maples are plentiful in most areas of the United States and Canada. Samaras, commonly known to children as “helicopters,” are the fruit of the maple tree and contain a single seed. The fruits fall naturally as soon as they are mature. The time of year when they fall–late spring for silver maples and early fall for most other varieties–corresponds to the appropriate planting time. Collect the seeds. Do not harvest samaras directly from the tree. Wait until they fall and gather them from the ground, leaving the entire fruit intact. Store the seeds. Seeds that will not be planted immediately should be kept in a cool, dry place in a resealable bag. Stratify the seeds. Stratification occurs naturally during the winter, so you can plant freshly harvested seeds immediately in pots to take advantage of the natural process. Seeds should be planted 1/4 inch to 1 inch deep (see Tips).
