How to Grow a Japanese Maple

Choose a Japanese maple., Read the label accompanying your cultivar., Select free-draining soil of good quality., Ensure that there is both sun and shade., Keep the Japanese maple out of direct wind., Keep well watered during warmer months or dry...

7 Steps 2 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Choose a Japanese maple.

    There are many possible choices because a number of different forms of the Japanese maple have been cultivated over the last few centuries.

    The Japanese maple is broken into various cultivar groups to help you choose:
    Palmatum group:
    This species has hand-like leaves with five to seven lobes.

    Dissectum group:
    This species has deep, finely serrated edges to the leaves.

    Each leaf has five to nine lobes.

    Linearilobum group:
    This group has a long and slender lobe with five to seven lobed leaves.

    Most Japanese maples will grow to around 5 meters (16.4 ft) in height and end up with a broad, vase-like crown.

    The main trunk is usually about 1 meter (3.3 ft) in height and strong.
  2. Step 2: Read the label accompanying your cultivar.

    There may be specific needs that apply to your particular cultivar that should be followed. , The soil space should be deep to allow the roots to take hold easily.

    If you're potting the Japanese maple, ensure that the container is of a decent size, use high quality potting mix and prefer a potting mix containing water crystals. , A reasonable amount of daily sun is required but Japanese maples don't like hot afternoon sun.

    Provide adequate afternoon sun shading. , Wind can damage or dry the tree, so find a sheltered position for it. , A good layer of mulching will help to keep the moisture in. , Use a good fertiliser to keep the plant well nourished.

    Slow-release fertiliser is a good choice for summer time.
  3. Step 3: Select free-draining soil of good quality.

  4. Step 4: Ensure that there is both sun and shade.

  5. Step 5: Keep the Japanese maple out of direct wind.

  6. Step 6: Keep well watered during warmer months or dry seasons.

  7. Step 7: Feed regularly.

Detailed Guide

There are many possible choices because a number of different forms of the Japanese maple have been cultivated over the last few centuries.

The Japanese maple is broken into various cultivar groups to help you choose:
Palmatum group:
This species has hand-like leaves with five to seven lobes.

Dissectum group:
This species has deep, finely serrated edges to the leaves.

Each leaf has five to nine lobes.

Linearilobum group:
This group has a long and slender lobe with five to seven lobed leaves.

Most Japanese maples will grow to around 5 meters (16.4 ft) in height and end up with a broad, vase-like crown.

The main trunk is usually about 1 meter (3.3 ft) in height and strong.

There may be specific needs that apply to your particular cultivar that should be followed. , The soil space should be deep to allow the roots to take hold easily.

If you're potting the Japanese maple, ensure that the container is of a decent size, use high quality potting mix and prefer a potting mix containing water crystals. , A reasonable amount of daily sun is required but Japanese maples don't like hot afternoon sun.

Provide adequate afternoon sun shading. , Wind can damage or dry the tree, so find a sheltered position for it. , A good layer of mulching will help to keep the moisture in. , Use a good fertiliser to keep the plant well nourished.

Slow-release fertiliser is a good choice for summer time.

About the Author

J

Jonathan Cruz

Writer and educator with a focus on practical cooking knowledge.

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