Inazuna Japanese Seeds

30 Japanese Maple – ‘Inazuma’ Seeds
Acer palmatum ‘Inazuma’
Hardiness Zones: 5a to 8b
Habit: Deciduous
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Site Requirements: Light dappled shade; evenly moist, well drained soil; protect from drying winds
Texture: Medium to fine
Form: Low; dense rounded top; spreading branches; assumes a layered look
Height: 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meter)
Width: 15 to 20 feet (4.7 to 6 meter)
Leaf: 2 to 5″ opposite, simple leaf with 5 to 9 lobes; green during summer; yellow, bronze, purple to red fall color
Flower/Fruit: Small red to purple flowers; attractive if viewed closely but insignificant from a distance
Height: 20 feet
Spread: 20 feet Form: rounded
Type: deciduous shrub or small tree
Annual Growth Rate: less than 12 inches
Sowing Instructions: Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 65 to 70F (18 to 20C). Sowing Depth: ¼ Inch (6 mm). Sow at any time of year. After sowing, seal the container inside a polythene bag to ensure a humid atmosphere, leave at 70 to 75F (20 to 25C) for 6 weeks, then pre to chill for 8 weeks. After this, gradually raise the temperature to 55F (13C).
Comments: Can be grown as single or multistemmed small tree; may suffer leaf scorch with excess sun, wind, or drought
Discussion: The Japanese maple grows best in a moist, well draining, fertile soil. When they are grown in areas with hot dry sun, they should be grown in partial shade (afternoon shade) to protect them from scorching. In northern areas, where summer temperatures are more moderate, they will do quite well in full sun. Dwarf varieties (and to a lesser extent, the tall, upright forms), can be easily and successfully grow in large containers or planters, provided there is good drainage. Fertilize in early spring by punching a series of 1 to 2 inch holes, 5 to 6 inches deep, and two feet apart, at the drip line. Fill each hole half way with a good all purpose (10 – 10 – 10), slow release plant food. Water thoroughly after feeding. (ALWAYS, or you may burn the seedling.) Plant Japanese maples in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. It may be necessary to provide support stakes to prop up young slender branches until they have developed and strengthened, because the weight of the new foliage may tend to cause the branch to droop to the ground. These trees have tendency to leaf out very early, which unfortunately makes them susceptible to spring frosts. A late frost may result in a loss of the new foliage, but the tree generally survives without any damage. Prune Japanese maples in late fall or winter, while they are dormant, removing any dead or damaged branches. They adapt well to pruning and are easily thinned and sculpted to accentuate their graceful shape. You may prune further to control the size, or create the shape which suits your landscape needs. Japanese maples were introduced to the North American landscape in the 1820s, more than 200 years after they were developed and bred by Japanese gardeners. While as many as 300 cultivars of Acer palmatum, A. japonicum and A. circinatum were recorded by the early 1900s, many of the varieties vanished during the hard times in Japan immediately following the Second World War, when firewood was scarce and land needed to be cleared to grow vegetables. Today, Japanese maples are once again turning the heads of home gardeners and landscapers across America. Their radiant beauty and timeless charm have proved nearly irresistible.