This is quite a page you have here Dan : o) I knew was in the right place when my computer loaded the first image.

My question is this; I would like to try the Japanese maple Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum of the BLOODGOOD variety as Bonsai. My only real option is to start from seed, as these trees are very expensive even as small nursery stock. I have no way to get cuttings of layering, so this is the option I have chosen. How might I get these seeds to germinate successfully? Aside from starting with viable seed, I have no idea as to what conditions contribute to this cultivars germination or the care for the seedlings. I have looked all over the web in search for some site, even universities, that might have detailed explanations as to this process. Can you help me Dan?

Ted F. Strassburg III.

Dear Ted,

I have seen Acer Palmatum 'Bloodgood' and agree that it is a very beautiful variety that you should take a shot at making into a bonsai - even if it is by seed. Fortunately, unlike most Japanese maples which need to be grafted to preserve their characteristics, Atropurpureums come largely true from seed.

Seed germination can be aided by overwintering in damp leaf litter, or by refrigeration. Seeds should be planted in winter in a normal standard well-drained seed-raising mix or light potting mix - it is suprisingly not that hard to grow Jap. maples from seed - I have heaps of unwanted seedlings that germinate by themselves in my garden each year.

An excellent resource (and I mean excellent) on Japanese maples is "Japanese Maples : Momiji and Kaede" by J. D. Vertees.

Hope this was of help (don't stress out - it's relatively easy!),

Dan