Guide to Germinating Japanese Maple (Momiji) Seeds for Bonsai

Japanese maples, also known as momiji, are popular bonsai trees due to their delicate leaves and beautiful fall color. 

Here in our guide to start growing your own momiji bonsai, we will provide two methods you can use to get started!

Method 1 - Planting Seeds Directly In Soil

Materials Needed

• Japanese maple seeds

• Potting soil

• Seed trays or pots

• Plastic wrap or clear plastic bags

• Water

Preparing the Seeds

• Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat.

• Remove any debris or damaged seeds.

Planting the Seeds

• Fill the seed trays or pots with potting soil, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.

• Plant the seeds about a quarter inch deep in the soil.

• Cover the seed trays or pots with plastic wrap or clear plastic bags to create a mini greenhouse effect.

• Place the seed trays or pots in a warm location with indirect light.

Caring for the Seeds

• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged by misting the soil with water as needed.

• Remove the plastic wrap or clear plastic bags when seedlings emerge.

• Once the seedlings have a few leaves, transplant them into individual pots.

• Gradually introduce the seedlings to outdoor conditions, starting with a few hours of indirect sunlight and gradually increasing the amount of sunlight and exposure to the elements.

Germinating Japanese Maple (Momiji) Seeds for Bonsai Using a Damp Paper Towel Method

This guide will walk you through the process of germinating Japanese maple seeds using the damp paper towel method.

Materials Needed

• Japanese maple seeds

• Paper towels

• Plastic bags

• A refrigerator

Preparing the Seeds

• Let the seeds soak in water for an entire day to make their husks pliable. This will help facilitate the planting process!
• Clear out any debris or damaged seeds for a successful harvest.

Germinating the Seeds

• Take a paper towel and dampen it with water.

• Spread the seeds out on the damp paper towel, making sure they are not touching each other.

• Carefully fold the paper towel over the seeds so they are completely covered.

• Place the paper towel with the seeds inside a plastic bag, and seal it tightly.

• Put the plastic bag with the seeds in the refrigerator.

Caring for the Seeds

• Check the paper towel every few days to ensure it stays moist. If it dries out, mist it with water.
• Keep the plastic bag sealed in the refrigerator for at least 90 days.
• After 90 days, take the plastic bag out of the refrigerator, and carefully remove the seeds from the paper towel.
• Plant the seeds in seed trays or pots filled with potting soil, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
• Cover the seed trays or pots with plastic wrap or clear plastic bags to create a mini greenhouse effect.
• Place the seed trays or pots in a warm location with indirect light.
• Once the seedlings have a few leaves, 

  transplant them into individual pots.

• Gradually introduce the seedlings to outdoor conditions, starting with a few hours of indirect sunlight and gradually increasing the amount of sunlight and exposure to the elements.