Seed collecting from Acer Campestre

[papkey5]

The attached pictures are of a hedge maple that I found in Logan, UT. My questions are
1) This tree still has samaras from last season. I doubt they are viable it is just strange to me that they are still there. Any ideas why?
2) does anyone want some seeds?
3) my plan is to direct sow, when you do that should you soak the seeds for 24 hrs or just plant them dry?

 

[leatherback]

from last season

Are you sure? Did it not just drop a bunch of this years seeds which have turned brown? Where are they on the branch? Any leaves on the branch segment where they are attached?

I would not go for these, but wait for this years' batch

 

[Shibui]

No need to soak seeds if you plant direct. They have plenty of time to absorb moisture from the soil. Soaking may just speed up germination by a few days at most.
I doubt those brown seeds are from last year but anything is possible. Far more likely that some of this year's seed have not developed properly and died off early. That happens to some seed on our Japanese maples and tridents each year.

 

[papkey5]

Are you sure? Did it not just drop a bunch of this years seeds which have turned brown? Where are they on the branch? Any leaves on the branch segment where they are attached?

I would not go for these, but wait for this years' batch

They have turned brown. They are mixed in with this years green samaras. No leaves where they are attached. Only half of the Samara is there.

 

[RKatzin]

On Vine maples growing in the wild, it's not unusual to see last year's seed still clinging to the branch with this year's fresh seeds.

 

[Forsoothe!]

If you plant them in flats that you leave outdoors in winter they will germinate (this year's seeds) in the spring. Planting them indoors is more of a hassle and requires stratification.

 

[RJG2]

If you plant them in flats that you leave outdoors in winter they will germinate (this year's seeds) in the spring. Planting them indoors is more of a hassle and requires stratification.

Do you recommend a substrate for planting in flats?

 

[Forsoothe!]

Dirt, after all it's only a couple inches deep. Just leave the flat in contact with the soil in sunny place. I have adequate rain, so I only water in unusual times in spring. I see you're in Maine. Protect from late frosts.