How to Grow October Glory
Wikimedia Commons
October Glory
Acer rubrum 'October Glory'
treeOctober Glory is a cultivar of Red Maple prized for its spectacular deep red fall foliage that persists longer than most other maples. This deciduous tree grows 40-50 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide, with a dense, rounded canopy that provides excellent shade. It's valued as an ornamental shade tree for landscapes and urban settings.
When should you plant October Glory in your zone?
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Example October Glory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant October Glory
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest October Glory
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact October Glory dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Get my October Glory timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 1-2 yearsRecently planted sapling with emerging branch structure and new growth
Water deeply 2-3 times per week; stake if necessary for support; apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base
Early Growth
Years 2-5Tree develops strong branching framework; canopy begins to fill in
Continue regular watering; prune to remove crossing or weak branches; maintain mulch layer
Canopy Development
Years 5-15Tree reaches mature height and width; dense foliage develops
Reduce watering frequency as roots establish; light pruning only; remove deadwood
Maturity
Years 15+ (lifespan 100+ years)Full-sized tree with well-established canopy providing ample shade
Minimal pruning needed; water during drought; monitor for pests and disease
Fall Color Display
6-8 weeks (typically mid-September through October)Foliage transitions to brilliant deep red, scarlet, and burgundy colors
Ensure adequate moisture; cooler fall temperatures enhance color intensity; avoid late-summer nitrogen fertilizer
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap for heavy infestations; encourage natural predators
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Prune infested branches; apply horticultural oil in early spring; monitor regularly
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Remove by hand if possible; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in dormant season
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Usually not damaging; allow natural control; prune heavily affected branches if necessary
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Ensure good drainage; avoid wounding trees; remove affected branches; no cure; plant resistant trees nearby
Uses
Wildlife Food Source
WildlifeRed maple produces seeds (samaras) in spring and early summer that provide food for birds and squirrels. The flowers are an early nectar source for pollinators. [source]
Shade and Cooling
HouseholdThe dense canopy provides excellent shade, reducing cooling costs and creating comfortable outdoor spaces. A mature tree can lower nearby temperatures by 2-8°F. [source]
Fall Landscape Beauty
CraftOctober Glory is specifically bred for its spectacular deep red fall foliage that colors earlier and lasts longer than wild red maples, making it a premier choice for ornamental landscapes and fall displays. [source]
Air Quality Improvement
HouseholdLarge trees like October Glory help filter air pollutants and produce oxygen, contributing to improved air quality in residential and urban areas. [source]
Wood Products
CraftRed maple wood is used for veneer, furniture, and interior finishing. However, October Glory is typically preserved as a living ornamental rather than harvested for timber. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not applicable; October Glory is an ornamental tree grown for shade and fall color display, not for harvest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 October Glory was selected as a superior cultivar specifically for its reliability in producing brilliant red fall color week after week, unlike many wild red maples which can be disappointingly yellow or greenish-bronze in some years.
- 🌱 Red maples are among the most abundant trees in eastern North America and are one of the first trees to show color change in fall, sometimes beginning as early as late August in northern zones.
- 🌱 The seeds of red maple, called samaras or 'helicopters,' spin as they fall from the tree and can disperse considerable distances from the parent tree, aided by wind and water.
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