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How to Grow Red Maple

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

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Plant nursery stock — skip years of growing from seed.

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Supplies You'll Need

Watering Can

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Plant Overview

Scientific Name Acer rubrum
Category tree
Type Deciduous Tree (nursery stock)
Starting Method Nursery Stock

Growing Requirements

Sun

Full Sun to Part Shade

Water

Moderate; tolerates wet soil

Spacing

40 ft apart

Height

40-60 ft

Ready to Plant Red Maple?

Buy nursery-quality plants and skip years of growing from seed.

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Companion Planting Guide for Red Maple

Discover which plants grow well with Red Maple and which to keep at a distance for a healthier garden →

Seed Saving Guide

Vegetative propagation

Propagate vegetatively, not by seed

Nursery trees are grown from cuttings or seed by professionals — buy a well-branched young tree; they transplant easily.

Red Maple Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Red Maple Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Red Maple? +

Plant container-grown or bare-root Red Maple in early spring, 4 weeks before your last frost date — or in early fall once summer heat breaks. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

Should I start Red Maple indoors or direct sow? +

Neither — Red Maple isn't grown from seed at home. Buy a container-grown or bare-root plant from a nursery and plant it outdoors at the right time for your local frost dates.

How much sun does Red Maple need? +

Red Maple requires full sun to part shade to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Red Maple? +

Space Red Maple plants 480 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Red Maple need? +

Red Maple has moderate; tolerates wet soil water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Red Maple? +

Red Maple is not typically propagated by seed. Nursery trees are grown from cuttings or seed by professionals — buy a well-branched young tree; they transplant easily.

About Red Maple

Fast-growing native shade tree famous for brilliant scarlet fall color. Adaptable to most soils including damp ones. Plant container or balled-and-burlapped stock in early spring or fall, at least 40 feet from foundations and septic lines.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.