 Acer palmatum dissectum 'mixed' |
Origin: Japan Zone Range: 5-9 Preferred Situation: Full/semi sun; evenly moist fertile soil. Harvest Date: Sunday 14 October, 2007
Description: This weeping dissectum (Lace Leaf) form will rarely grow taller than 2 meters tall with a 2-4 meter spread. Most take on a densely branched weeping/mounded/umbrella like form perfect for almost any garden from city lots to large estates. Seed is/will be from mixed laceleaf types from green to reds. In my experience growing Japanese maples from seed, dissectums come true from seed 80% of the time. Funny thing is that some 'regular' leafed Japanese mapes produce a high percentage of dissectum types too! Don't prune except to remove dead or damaged material or making a bonsai. Protect roots of outdoor potted plants from extreme winter freezing.
Notes: Seeds are hand selected. A cut test is done on all seed lots to ensure viable embryos (ranges from 50-80%). Easy to grow from seed, but growth can be slow for the first couple of years as it puts down its roots. Growth can exceed 30 cm after the third year. Suitable for containers and bonsai. Adds grace to any garden, large or small. Red leaf types tolerate sun better than green leafed types. Keep soil moist as all Japanese maples do not tolerate drought well (leads to branch loss; also reduces winter hardiness).
Cultivation: Fresh seed. Cut rate: 80% viable embryos. Seed will be cold moist stored upon collection as seed looses viability when dry. Soak seed in tepid water 12-24 hours if it sinks, sow immediately. Sow 6 mm deep; tamp soil. Cold strafify for 60-120 days. Expose seed to spring conditions to promote germination. Exposure to direct light not critical. Protect seed/seedlings from varmits. I prick out seedlings when dormant and grow in pots for first 2-3 years for best results. Dissectum types may take 2 years of repeat cycles of warm/cold to germinate so don't toss the pot. Never let seed migrate to soil surface as sun and frost exposure will kill embryo.
|