When, with what and how often?

Excessive fertilization prevents autumn colors

Basically, the Japanese maple prefers a humus-nutrient-rich soil, but should only be fertilized moderately. Too abundant fertilization unfortunately means that the wonderful autumn colors either remain unsatisfactory or even fail completely. Incidentally, the same applies if it is not sunny enough in autumn, because: The more sun The Japanese maple can refuel, the more intensely its leaves are colored.

Prefer organic fertilizers

For this reason, Japanese maples in particular should firstly only be supplied with little and secondly only selected fertilizers. Unless the sapling is in a normal one Garden soil is basically enough to provide compost twice a year. Carefully work in the first portion at the beginning of the shoot in April, the second follows around mid to late June. Be careful, however, because the Japanese maple has its roots very close to the surface of the earth. Until about the beginning or In mid-August you can if necessary

re-fertilize, however, fertilization at a later date should not be carried out. This would delay the ripening of this year's shoots before winter and also affect the autumn color.

Fertilize the Japanese maple in the pot regularly

In contrast to planted specimens should Japanese maples cultivated in the tub in the growing season every three to four weeks with a good one Complete fertilizer are supplied. Special maple fertilizer, which is available in well-stocked garden centers, is very suitable for this purpose. But here, too, applies to fertilization: less is more.

Incorporate compost when planting

Instead, you should be right when planting a large portion of ripe compost or in potted plants Compost soil work into the substrate or the excavation. The soil can be further improved by adding Expanded clay(€ 16.36 at Amazon *) respectively. Clay granules and / or coarse sand. This procedure is particularly recommended for heavy, poorly drained soils.