Samaras tend to grow in pairs that break apart when the tree sheds them, and usually only one out of each pair will contain a seed. It is possible to grow a maple tree by planting a helicopter, but you’ll want to make sure the helicopter is carrying a seed first. When the seeds mature, the tree will shed these seed pods, which are then dispersed by the wind. Maple “helicopters”, or samaras, are the winged seed pods produced by maple trees. When the seedlings are about 4 inches tall and have at least two sets of leaves, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the ground.Ĭan You Grow a Maple Tree From a Helicopter?.Once the seeds sprout, keep them in partial shade. Most varieties of maple will take anywhere from 40 to 90 days to sprout, so don’t get discouraged if nothing happens at first.Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and avoid exposing the seeds to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Keep the pots under a grow light, in a sunny window, or in a sheltered area outside.Drop one seed into each hole and cover it with dirt.You can cut the casing with scissors or peel it away with your fingernails. If desired, remove the paperlike casing from each maple seed, taking care not to damage the seed.The holes should be about ½ to 1 inch deep.

Use your finger to poke one or two holes in the dirt of each pot.Repeat the process of watering and adding soil until the pots are mostly full. You may want to add more soil after watering, as the water tends to compact the dirt. Add water to the soil until it begins to drip from the bottom of the planters. Place dirt or potting soil in your pots, filling them at least ⅔ full.Once you’re ready to plant your maple seeds, follow these steps: These seeds can be planted as soon as you collect them, as they do not need to be stratified. Some maples produce fruit that ripens in the spring and sprouts during the early summer. Place them in airtight containers and stratify them in the refrigerator for 90 to 120 days, making sure to keep the temperature between 33 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. To mimic these conditions, gather your maple seeds when the fruits are actively falling from the trees. These fruits are then dispersed in the late fall and winter and will sprout the following spring and summer. Many maple tree varieties produce mature fruits in the fall. For example, sugar maples thrive in slightly acidic, loamy soil, so you may want to add peat moss to your potting soil for best results with this particular species. Maple seeds will germinate in most types of loose, well-drained soil, but you might want to research the specific maple variety you want to plant. To get started, you’ll need a few things: With a rate like that, it’s actually quite easy to grow a maple tree from seed! Can You Grow a Maple Tree From a Helicopter?ĭid you know that maple seeds have an exceptionally high germination rate? Some species will produce up to 95 percent fertile seeds.

Planting sugar maple trees