Have you ever wanted to grow a maple tree from one of those helicopter seeds? If so, this guide will walk you through how to plant and grow your very own sapling.
How to plant the maple tree seed
1. Soak seed overnight
Start by carefully breaking off the wing of this seed. Then, soak it in water overnight.
2.Plant seed
Plant the seed in a pot of potting mix, (it should be about 1 inch under the surface of the soil).
3. Water and cover the pot
Water the soil and cover with the top of a milk jug to help keep the soil moist.
It also acts as a mini greenhouse to help your plants sprout up sooner!
4. Water less often once sprouted
When the tree sapling has finally sprouted cut back your watering to about once every 3-4 days.
When the tree is about 6 months old, water once a week.
5. Plant outside
Wait to plant the tree outside until it's at least 2-3 years old to let it get big enough to survive harsh conditions and animals.
How soon will my maple tree seed sprout?
After planting my seed and following the steps listed above, my little tree had sprouted in about 10 days. Much faster than growing acorns into oak trees!
Maple tree FAQ
Start by carefully removing the helicopter like covering, then soak the seed overnight. Then, plant it in soil so that it's 1 inch under the surface of your soil.
These seeds are produced by maple trees. They are referred to as helicopter seeds or whirlers because of how the seed falls.
Yes! They are relatively easy to grow, you just need to be patient and let the little tree get big enough.
Marya Smith says
Hi, I had success in growing a maple pod. It grew about ten inches with four little leaves. The pod part is now showing bigger leaves and the little leaves at the top have curled up. The little tree baby is about two months old. I can't find any info about this stage. Should I replant it in a bigger planter? Thank you for your time.
Joanna Stephens says
Hi Marya, so as the tree gets more mature it's common to notice the newer leaves are bigger than the first few leaves is grew.
It's hard to say if you need to replant it in a bigger planter. What size did you use initially? Was is shallow or is it deep?
I always repotted my tree saplings when the roots starting growing through the bottom drainage holes, which indicated they needed a bigger size. Hope this helps!
Diana Rabbits says
Did you Use stratification with the maple seed before planting?
Joanna Stephens says
This was from a red maple tree, so it did not need to be cold stratified. If you are wanting to plant a different variety like a Japanese Maple, you will need to cold stratify first!
Joyce Phillips says
I really enjoyed reading this article thank you very much.
Joanna Stephens says
Happy to help Joyce! It's so much fun to watch trees grow from seeds.