How to Propagate Japanese Maple? A Detailed Guide to Common Propagation Methods

The leaves of the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) are similar to those of maple, and its crown takes on an oval shape. Once the leaves turn red, the Japanese maple has very high ornamental value. Japanese maples can be seen in many parks in China, and there is also a certain area of Japanese maple cultivation. When growing Japanese maples, propagation is relatively important, so how should Japanese maples be propagated? Below, the editor brings you the propagation methods for Japanese maple. Let's take a look!

1. Grafting Propagation

First, select a vigorously growing, robust Japanese maple as the grafting rootstock, then carry out the grafting work when the rootstock is at its peak growth. First, transplant the seedlings about 3 times, starting after the rootstock has dropped its leaves, and transplant with soil attached. The main grafting methods include cleft grafting and bud grafting, and each method has different handling measures. For example, cleft grafting is carried out around March each year, then the rootstock is cut at a position about 60 cm above the ground for high grafting. This grafting method can ensure that new shoots reach about 55 cm. Approach grafting is more troublesome to carry out, but its survival rate is relatively high. The bud grafting method is performed many times, but it is not easy to survive.

2. Seed Propagation

The fruit of the Japanese maple ripens around October to November each year. After ripening, take the seeds out of the fruit. Then treat the seeds, do a good job of sprouting promotion and disinfection to increase the seed germination rate and reduce the incidence of pests and diseases. After treatment, control the planting density on the planting soil, dig the sowing holes well, and then sow at the right time. After sowing, cover with an appropriate amount of soil, then water thoroughly to promote seed germination and sprouting. Then cover with a layer of crop straw to raise the soil temperature and prevent water loss. When the seedlings successfully break through the soil, remove the straw and do a good job of sun protection. If the seedlings are exposed to direct sunlight, it will seriously affect seedling growth. When the seedlings grow to about 40 cm, they can begin to be transplanted and planted out.

3. Cutting Propagation

First, select a robust, well-growing Japanese maple as the mother tree, then select good cutting branches. One week before cutting off the branches, remove the terminal buds on the branches. After cutting them off, place the base of the branches in water, ensuring the part in water is about 4 cm. Cut the scions into small sections about 10-12 cm long, keeping the wounds as smooth as possible and retaining a normal number of leaves. Then use potassium permanganate to disinfect the soil, then cover with film for 2-3 days before cutting. Pay attention to density when cutting, water thoroughly after cutting, keep the temperature at about 27 degrees, keep the field humidity at about 85%, and then apply additional fertilizer at the right time. Ensure sufficient water and nutrient supply for the growth of the Japanese maple.

The above three are a brief introduction to Japanese maple propagation methods. There are many propagation methods for Japanese maple. The more common one is cutting propagation, because cutting propagation is relatively simple and has a short growth cycle. It is not recommended to use seed propagation, because seed propagation takes a very long time and is not suitable for large-scale planting. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you for reading and supporting.