Can I Safely Save Japanese Seeds In The Spring / Summer Until They Can Be Viable In The Fall?

Question

I have a red Japanese Maple that I want to start propagating from seeds, the issue that the squirrels are eating the seeds and actually chewing them off of the tree, I want to collect the seeds that fall that have not been eaten, but everything I read says it needs to become viable in the fall Oct. / Nov. following the spring seed pod emergence. any tips or recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, all will ripen in the Fall. You will want to wait until then. There are a few things to know about harvest and germination, as well. This article will go over those things:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple/planting-japanese-maple-seeds.htm

These articles will help with the, general, care of the tree:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple