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| Acer seeds http://www.weetrees.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13608 |
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| Author: | roger m [ 08 Jun 2015, 21:34 ] |
| Post subject: | Acer seeds |
Last Autumn I planted some seeds of Acer sieboldianum which I collected from a small tree in my sister's garden. I seem to have about a 60% success rate with the germination.   They are growing in ordinary multi-purpose compost but I would like to transfer them to something a little more free draining. Can anyone advise me whether, if I am very careful, I could do that now or should I leave them until next spring. Roger |
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| Author: | stymie [ 08 Jun 2015, 21:39 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Acer seeds |
I think that I would be inclined to pot them up individually now with a bit of free draining medium below and around them, into which the roots can extend. This can be done with minimum damage to the existing roots. You can also reduce the tap root easily to encourage horizontal root spread. It is okay to hold them by a leaf - better than handling the stems. Push them up out of the tray rather than digging them out. |
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| Author: | roger m [ 08 Jun 2015, 22:16 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Acer seeds |
Thanks Don, that is what I will do. Roger |
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| Author: | paulpash [ 08 Jun 2015, 22:24 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Acer seeds |
roger m wrote: Last Autumn I planted some seeds of Acer sieboldianum which I collected from a small tree in my sister's garden. I seem to have about a 60% success rate with the germination. They are growing in ordinary multi-purpose compost but I would like to transfer them to something a little more free draining. Can anyone advise me whether, if I am very careful, I could do that now or should I leave them until next spring. Roger I leave my acer seedlings two years from germination before I disturb them but they are growing in 50 - 50 perlite and seed sowing compost which has worked well for me in the past. If these were mine I'd transfer them as they look weak - have you fed them? I'd also remove the leaves / needles from the soil surface. The prime cause of losing seedlings is stem rot so clearing organic matter is important. If they are in heavy soil go steady on the water. I add a little hydrogen peroxide to the water once a month to prevent stem rot (and also I like to hear it fizz). You can get it from weldricks for a few quid - I get the 6% one. Even with these precautions you'll lose a good many and you'll need to keep them frost free over that first winter. Bring them out when all danger of frost has gone otherwise they will die. Here's a pic of mine, germinated this year. Just waking up...  Today....   
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| Author: | sputnik [ 08 Jun 2015, 22:25 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Acer seeds |
Excellent success rate. 
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| Author: | roger m [ 08 Jun 2015, 22:29 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Acer seeds |
That's good advice Paul, thanks, I shall follow it. Roger |
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| Author: | sputnik [ 08 Jun 2015, 22:38 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Acer seeds |
What proportion hydrogen peroxide to water do you use Paul? |
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| Author: | paulpash [ 08 Jun 2015, 22:55 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Acer seeds |
50 50 water and HO @ 6% so aim for a 3% mix overall. This won't hurt even a seedling but will kill a lot of pathogens and releases oxygen as it hits the soil. |
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| Author: | MattS [ 08 Jun 2015, 22:59 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Acer seeds |
This spring I've been having success waiting until the seedlings are just like these pictured below, then I pull them up, remove most of the root and replant them. A huge proportion have survived this process and produced laterals. Just waking up...
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| Author: | paulpash [ 08 Jun 2015, 23:20 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Acer seeds |
MattS wrote: This spring I've been having success waiting until the seedlings are just like these pictured below, then I pull them up, remove most of the root and replant them. A huge proportion have survived this process and produced laterals. Just waking up... I have tried this with my scots pine seedlings this year but I've found acers are much easier to sort root wise than pines so I do nebari work when it's about 18 inches tall. I do pine seedling cuttings just as the stem goes a bit purple. |
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