Japanese Maple Tree Seeds | (Acer palmatum)
Japanese Maple Tree Seeds | (Acer palmatum)
A thousand varieties. One unmistakable presence.
Acer palmatum, the Japanese Maple, is one of the most refined and widely collected ornamental trees in the world. Its deeply cut, star-shaped leaves and ever-changing color palette bring texture, movement, and elegance to any space. Cultivated in Japan for centuries, it remains unmatched for its ability to deliver dramatic seasonal beauty in a compact, garden-friendly form. Seed-grown trees express the full natural diversity of the species, producing one-of-a-kind specimens with unique character.
- Delicate, deeply cut foliage with exceptional seasonal color
- Each seed-grown tree develops unique leaf shape and coloration
- Compact, elegant form ideal for small landscapes and focal points
- Brilliant fall color ranging from gold to deep crimson
- Highly valued for bonsai and artistic pruning
Things You Probably Didn’t Know
There are over a thousand cultivated forms.
Japanese Maple has been selected and refined for centuries, resulting in an extraordinary range of forms and colors. Seed-grown trees continue that tradition of variation.
It transforms throughout the year.
Leaves often emerge one color in spring, deepen or shift in summer, and then ignite into vivid tones in fall, offering multiple visual phases in a single season.
It supports more than just aesthetics.
The seeds feed birds and small mammals, while the canopy provides cover and habitat within the garden ecosystem.
It can be shaped into living art.
Japanese Maple responds exceptionally well to bonsai and pruning, allowing growers to shape trees that appear far older than they are.
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Acer palmatum
- Stratification: Required; 90–120 days cold moist stratification
- USDA Zones: 5–9
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic, rich in organic matter
- Light: Full sun to partial shade; best with morning sun and afternoon protection
- Height: 15–25 feet
- Spread: 15–25 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (1–2 ft/year)
Grow it from seed and it will be yours in a way no nursery tree ever could be. Every Japanese Maple started this way is a small original.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. They are stored under dry, cold conditions to preserve viability without initiating stratification, allowing you to time germination for your local growing season.
The exception is recalcitrant seeds. Because these seeds must remain moist to stay viable, they are kept in moist, cold storage and are therefore in a pre-stratified state. Depending on how long a particular batch has been stored, some may arrive with an emerging radicle and be ready to plant immediately. Radicle development is not guaranteed.
Please refer to the individual product page and included growing instructions for species-specific requirements.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes. Some species we offer, including Chestnut, Hazelnut, and Paw Paw, are recalcitrant and must remain moist to stay viable.
Please refrigerate these seeds immediately upon arrival unless they have already developed a radicle. Seeds with an emerging radicle should be planted promptly.
Do you ship internationally?
No. We currently ship within the United States only.
We previously shipped to Canada, but tariffs, duties, and import fees resulted in customers receiving significant and unpredictable additional charges upon delivery. Because we cannot reliably calculate or absorb these costs, we have suspended shipping to Canada.
At this time, we do not ship to Canada or other international destinations.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
• Hand-packed in resealable kraft paper seed bags
• Stratification and planting instructions included on every seed pack
• Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS within the United States and U.S. territories
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
If your order arrives damaged, contains incorrect items, or is missing items, please contact us within 7 days of delivery so we can resolve the issue.
