The term "Japanese maple" basically hides various maple species from the Far East, which are relatively similar in terms of habit and needs. In addition to the actual Japanese maple (Acer japonicum), the types of Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) and the golden maple (Acer shirasawanum) also belong to this group. Basically, these shrubs are quite undemanding in terms of nutrient supply, even if they prefer nutrient-rich soils.

Outdoor Japanese maple doesn't actually need to be fertilized

Choosing the substrate and preparing the soil

Once planted, Japanese maple should only be fertilized moderately - even if the tree is actually heavily consuming. The problem with fertilization is the fact that the artificial supply of nutrients delays the maturity of the shoots. This in turn results in reduced resistance in the cold season, which means that the sensitive maples can become more susceptible to fungal diseases. For this reason, the focus should be less on fertilization and more on choosing the optimal soil. Japanese maples prefer one

  • sandy loam soil,
  • which is very loose and permeable
  • has a high nutrient content
  • and a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Before planting, the excavated soil can be enriched with well-rotted foliage to enrich it with nutrients.

Fertilize planted Japanese maple

Basically, planted Japanese maple does not need to be fertilized as long as the subsoil is sufficiently nutrient-rich. However, it is recommended (and also completely sufficient on normal garden soil) to fertilize with organic fertilizer once at the beginning of the vegetation period. However, poor soil should be fertilized with a slow-acting, mineral depot fertilizer, which also only needs to be applied in early spring (April / May).

Nutrient supply in pot maple

The situation is very different with Japanese maples cultivated in tubs. Since these cannot simply stretch out their roots and absorb nutrients themselves, like their relatives that are planted out, people have to help with artificial gifts - after all, the nutrient content in the pot is eventually exhausted. However, the fertilization must also be done with a sense of proportion here, otherwise the winter hardiness will suffer. Potted maples are also best supplied with a high-quality mineral long-term fertilizer or an organic fertilizer, with the last fertilizer application being at the beginning of August at the latest.

tips

Fertilize the Japanese maple in autumn with a little Patentkali to make it easier for your tree to overwinter.

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