It may depend on how you have stored the seed since harvest. Due to the genetic differences in red maple (Acer Rubrum) seed may or may not germinate without stratification. Keep the peat moss watered and you should see signs of germination within two weeks.  If your current crop fails to germinate, you can stratify the seed as follows. The process will take at least 60 days. In the meantime be observant in the area around the red maple as you will probably have volunteers that where naturally stratified.

1.    Place seeds in warm water (not to exceed 110 degree Fahrenheit)

2.    Soak for at least 24 hours or up to two days

3.    Remove the seeds from the water and place in a plastic bag of moistened mixture of peat, sand and potting soil. Poke a few holes in bag to allow air circulation.

4.    Place bag in refrigerator at 40 degrees for 60 -100 days.

5.    After that time the stratification (break down of the seed coat) is complete and ready for germination. Look for small roots emerging, this indicates theseed has started to germinate.

6.    Place the seeds in 4 inch pot filled with potting soil at a depth of 3/8 of an ich.

7.    Water the seeds until soil is moist, leaving it to dry out before watering again.

8.    Over watering will cause the seed to rot

9.    Seedlings should appear within one to two weeks.

10. Place pots in a shaded area to reduce drying out and burning. 

11.   Plant seeds after the last frost date (About Mother’s Day in Delaware)

12.  Replant in larger container as necessary