Propagate
a
Japanese Maple Tree
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How To Propagate Japanese Maple Trees
Japanese Maple Trees are not easy to propagate. Commercially they
are normally grafted on to a strong growing rootstock and there are a
couple of reasons for this.
Firstly, many varieties are not strong
growing trees and would produce weak trees if grown on their own
rootstock. Secondly, growing trees from seed produces variable results
in vigour and form.
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The best solution for the amateur is to grow Japanese
Maple Trees from seed. Sow several seeds and select only the most
vigorous seedlings. The best time to sow is when the seed is ripe,
normally around the middle of autumn. The seed pod will have begun to go
slightly crispy. Sow the seeds on the same day as they collected because
acer seeds do not keep well. Remove the seed from the seed pod and place
in a pot of normal potting compost. Cover with about 2cm (half an inch)
of compost and water well.
Over winter the pots in a cold frame or in a position
that will not suffer from hard frosts. The seedlings should emerge in
mid spring the next year. When the roots start to appear at the bottom
of the pot, transfer to a larger pot. When the trees are about 30cm
(12in) high they can be transplanted to their final positions.
Pest and Diseases of Japanese Maple Trees
Japanese Maple Trees are not attacked by pest or disease unless the
conditions they are growing in are unsuitable. So plant them where they
will be protected from the sun at the hottest parts of the day. Ensure
they are not waterlogged, especially in winter. Make sure they receive a
fairly constant source of moisture throughout the summer.
Weak trees can be attacked by
aphids or
botryitis. Click
on the links for how to treat these pest but be sure to correct the
conditions which have lead to the attack.
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