I don't know how Ice Dragon air-layers, but it seems that a good percentage of the seed is dissected. Of course it's too early to say how good the colors are, but I stratified seed in the fridge and out of a handful 3 germinated. 3 out of 3 are dissected. I don't know if it's better to soak the seed or let it stay dry during stratification. I am leaning toward soaking, fungal spray, then stratify.
Acer palmatum, JM dry seed should be soaked in water 24 hours, then stored moist for 4 to 6 weeks at 65 to 75 F or roughly 18 to 20 C then stored moist 12 to 16 weeks at roughly 4 C or 38 to 42 F. By the end of cold moist storage some seed will show root tips emerging, but whether roots show or not is not important. At end of cold storage plant seed out in flats in at least partial sun (morning sun) after last frost in your local area. I cover my flats with wire mesh ( 0,25 inch Hardware cloth) to exclude squirrels as maple seed is very tasty to squirrels and other rodent and winged vermin.
