Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

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Baa Jul 03, 2002

Purple leaved sapling, sown 2002.

Common name: Japanese Maple
Family: Aceraceae
Genus: Acer
Species palmatum

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Post #34939
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burtcoty Apr 19, 2003

What is the original process for starting the acers? Are they started from the seeds that are on the tree in the spring and if so what is the process? Thank you.
Burt Coty

Post #514835
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Baa Apr 19, 2003

The sapling in the photo is seed grown. Acers are often considered quite difficult but if you have fresh seed they germinate quite readily.

Some people start them in pots (as the above), well rotted leaf mulch seems to be one of the better sowing mediums for them but they'll germinate in garden soil as long as it isn't alkaline. Put the sown pots outside over winter in a sheltered area and wait, when they germinate, they will need protection from the wind.

Another method which is quite successful (and works well with other tree seeds) is to place the seed with leaf mulch in a zip lock type bag. Use a match or similar to keep it open and place on it's side in a sheltered area of the garden. As soon as the seeds begin to sprout, plant them up. This method seems to work quicker than the pots and you can see if the seeds are sprouting too.

One thing I've found useful is to never pot them into big pots, they seem to prefer to have their roots restricted a little.

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