planting acer seeds RP Seeds: Acer palmatum atropurpureum (Blood Leaf Japanese Maple) seeds

planting acer seeds RP Seeds: Acer palmatum atropurpureum (Blood Leaf Japanese Maple) seedsMagnificent and handsome small tree with the most beautiful, very decorative, dark reddish purple foliage that turns brilliant red in autumn. Small, reddish purple flowers are borne in mid spring on mature plants. A fantastic ornamental tree which can be pruned to any size making it ideal for containers and Bonsai. Easy to grow from seed and fully hardy when mature. Will need frost protection for the first couple of winters. Hardy Tree Flowers: Mid

Magnificent and handsome small tree with the most beautiful, very decorative, dark reddish-purple foliage that turns brilliant red in autumn. Small, reddish-purple flowers are borne in mid-spring on mature plants. A fantastic ornamental tree which can be pruned to any size making it ideal for containers and Bonsai.

Easy to grow from seed and fully hardy when mature. Will need frost protection for the first couple of winters.

Hardy Tree
Flowers: Mid-spring
Height: 3m if not pruned
Position: Sun or semi-shade and neutral to acid soil for the best autumn colour

Packet of 10 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

These seeds have a double dormancy and need warm & cold treatment before they will germinate.  This can be done outdoors over winter or indoors at any time of year.

• Soak seeds for 24 hours.
• Mix compost 50:50 with vermiculite or perlite, then water until just moist.
• Sow seeds very thinly on the surface and cover with a sprinkling of compost, vermiculite or perlite, then seal inside a polythene bag.

Outdoors - September to January

• Place pots in a sheltered spot, coldframe or unheated greenhouse and cover with a clear bag or glass to keep the critters out.
• Check regularly to make sure the compost does not dry out.
• The seedlings will emerge in spring when the weather warms up.

Indoors - Anytime

• Keep seeds at 18-21C for 8 weeks on a windowsill or in a propagator.
• Check regularly to make sure the compost does not dry out.
• If any seed germinate during this time, pot up seedlings as below.
• After 8 weeks, move to the fridge for a further 8 weeks, then move back to the windowsill or propagator.
• Germination can be slow and erratic and may take a few months.

• When the seedlings emerge, increase ventilation by opening the bag or propagator vents.
• When they are large enough to handle, transplant into 7-9cm pots and grow on, repotting as needed.
• Indoor grown seedlings can be moved outside in spring once all risk of frost has passed. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions by placing them outdoors during the day for a week or so.
• When mature enough, plant out in the garden in their final position.