If you’ve caught the fever and are looking for tips on how to go about Japanese maple propagation then we’ve got the entire scoop for you.
What may seem to be a daunting task at the very beginning is not all that complicated if you follow the correct guidelines. Japanese maple propagation is more about patience than anything else.
Purchasing Japanese Maple Seeds
You will begin your journey by making a careful purchase of fresh seeds from the current year’s harvest. You may be able to get your hands on these seeds through the internet or from a local gardening store. Make sure to check for the dates of harvest for the seeds prior to making the final purchase.
There is another catch that you ought to watch out for at this stage. Not all the seedlings will produce the same maple tree as the parent plant. Generally the dealer will brief you regarding this issue. This means that it is not necessary that seeds from the Crimson Queen will produce the same breed once you propagate them.
After the seeds have been purchased you should make a detailed inspection. You may or may not be required to de-wing the seedlings. Although de-winging is not a compulsion it does help to identify the germinated seeds.
Japanese Maple Seed Preparation
The next step is to soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Hot water from the tap would suffice for this purpose. Leave the seeds at room temperature and by the next morning the hard outer shell of the seed embryo will have broken up.
When the time is due take the seeds out of the water and place them in a plastic bag and punch a few holes in the bag for ventilation purposes. Adding peat can also help to absorb the water whilst retaining the moisture.
This packet of seeds will need to rest in the refrigerator for up to three months before you can begin planting them. This is why Japanese maple propagation must be planned in advance. The seeds require a moist but not a wet environment for the entire duration hence they are to be put in the fridge and not the freezer.
You will have to keep a constant check on the condition of the seeds throughout the duration and make the necessary arrangements as per the demand of the situation. After the desired period has passed you will find some seeds have begun to germinate springing out white root tips from the seed shell.
Planting the Japanese Maple Seeds
The germinating seeds need to be removed at this point and placed in a draining pot mix which should be moist and slightly acidic. The seeds should be only slightly covered with soil. In a few days time the seedling begins to pop.
This is the most delicate stage of the entire process. Hence they must be handled with care. In about a years time the seeds will be ready to be moved into a larger container.
Once in the ground you have to keep the watering in balance. Over watering and fertilizing in the first few months can bring everything to ruins. The fertilizer is only added after the first year and that too in moderate amounts. Following the above mentioned guidelines you will be able to successfully go along your Japanese maple propagation experience.
