Did you know that you can grow Japanese maples from seeds? Just collect them, place them in a bag of damp vermiculite and peat moss, and put them in the refrigerator. In the spring, plant them in pots.
So why doesn't everyone do it? The answer, sadly enough, is that there is no guarantee that the same type of maple will grow from the seeds. But wait! There is a use for these unknown cultivars of maples. Here is a good opportunity to practice grafting by selecting a scion from one of your favorite maples and grafting it to the new plant. Read up on grafting (it's not that difficult) and give it a shot. You might be pleasantly surprised at inexpensively growing your own Japanese maples and having some fun at the same time.
Keith Smith, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
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