[WANTED] Japanese/Trident Maple Seedlings

[Krusty]

I am after 100 maple seedlings about 200-300mm high for use in the fusing technique seen on the forums. That means they need to be straight with no forks and reasonably strong too.

[craigw60]

Hi Krusty get some seed mate its too easy. Then you can raise them by the barrow load.
Craig

[alpineart]

I am after 100 maple seedlings about 200-300mm high for use in the fusing technique seen on the forums. That means they need to be straight with no forks and reasonably strong too.

I have used all types of whips from 2mm -10mm ,bent , straight , forked it doesn't matter after all you are fusing them together .On average i use 60 mixed thicknesses to create the bases i now have .The bases once fused will be around 150-180mm at ground level plus 50mm Narebri .Cheers Alpineart

[Krusty]

Hi Krusty get some seed mate its too easy. Then you can raise them by the barrow load.
Craig

But from what i've read, it takes about a year to get them to a decent length. It that right?

[Bretts]

Maybe two years Krusty. Sadly though I think you have little chance of getting what you are after without growing them yourself. Although you are on the right track maybe you will get lucky with a members stash! Edit: Alpine has plenty hey!
As easy as Trident is to grow from seed the nurseries do them from cuttings I think at least the ones I go to! You might find the odd tall one at a general nursery but then you will pay probably at least $10 but I would guess more like $15 each. Add that up and you may be looking at 2-300 dollars for what you need. Then you would be better of going to a bonsai nursery and spending that money on a real trunk. No waiting at all for an eager beginner then too

Hmm one lead I could have is a contract nursery out at Canberra that is supplying the trees for the 100 Forests project. It is a well known nursery by those in the know so maybe some one will mention the name. I have lost it at the moment!
They do alot of growing by seed in bulk for the other nurseries so maybe you could get lucky on a bulk deal there. But generally I gather this fusing technique is best utilised by those that have too many trident whips around the yard because trident are so easy to germinate!

[alpineart]

Hi Krusty get some seed mate its too easy. Then you can raise them by the barrow load.
Craig

But from what i've read, it takes about a year to get them to a decent length. It that right?

Hi Krusty i planted late Winter early Spring last year and have whips from 300mm to 900mm now , smaller in the middle of the patch .i planted 2000 seeds and i believe 1999 struck , no rocket science involved just hoe and sow and watered daily .Depends on the growing mix and the feeding .Power feeding them with seasol powerfeed and tomatoe starter food gave me the result i wanted .Cheers

[craigw60]

Hi Krusty, youre going to have your trees for a long time so whats a year or two
Craig

[shibui]

No problem getting 900mm tall pencil thick seedlings in 1 year from seed. Just keep the feed and water up to them and allow a little space - maybe 50 in a poly box would be ok. Seedlings are variable so not all will be quick growing or straight so put in more than you need to allow to select the number you need.

If you are in such a hurry check out wholesalers around Melb. Ask a couple of nurseries for contacts or maybe to order them for you. Not sure how much they're charging at the moment but tridents should be available bare rooted about now.