Stratification - the period of cold required to set some seeds ready for germination, is done equally well inside or out. In the fridge, wrapped in a bag with moist leafmold, or sown direct into a pot and left outside, makes little difference. In the fridge, the seeds may even germinate, but what should happen is that they come out of the cold and into a 'warmer' environment where they then shoot away. Outside, the only thing I've guarded against is waterlogging, especially with acers. They won't stand getting too wet in a pot - quickest way to cause the seeds and any newly emerged seedlings to collapse. Collect acer seeds when ripe, autumn. Any falling now will not be fertile.
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Stratification - the period of cold required to set some seeds ready for germination, is done equally well inside or out. In the fridge, wrapped in a bag with moist leafmold, or sown direct into a pot and left outside, makes little difference. In the fridge, the seeds may even germinate, but what should happen is that they come out of the cold and into a 'warmer' environment where they then shoot away. Outside, the only thing I've guarded against is waterlogging, especially with acers. They won't stand getting too wet in a pot - quickest way to cause the seeds and any newly emerged seedlings to collapse. Collect acer seeds when ripe, autumn. Any falling now will not be fertile.
HC