Japanese maples don't need much fertilizer. If you use it at all, be very sparing and/or use slow release. I repotted some newly grafted JMs last spring and fertilized with a small amount of slow release at the time, and still got leaf burn. No more fertilizer for my JMs.

I would have just given them some root hormone b1 and waited until next year to fertilize them after they recovered from the repotting.

"gave them mircle grow bloom buster yesterday after i got them in thir pots"

Just curious wHy did you ask the question after you gave them the ferilizer?

I assume that the were bare rooted. Give them a chance to get started. I would not use chemical fetilizer on any Jap Maple. Water them for a while and eventually you could give them a mild solution of something like fish emulsion.

Hi dawgie,

The problem with "slow release" ferts is that they are anything but slow release when the tempatures get hot. When it gets hot the capsules can burst causing excess fert to be released to the plant. Also, these slow release ferts are chemical ferts which can be too strong for maples and also contain more salts.

As I've mentioned in the past on this forum I've been using liquid organic ferts for my container maples. Specifically Omega 1-5-5 alternated with Alaska 5-1-1 for a short time in spring, then only the 1-5-5 throughout the growing season. To this I add Growmore kelp extract. I only use 1/4 of the recommended dosage and apply every other watering or so. This is only during the growing season. Starting in the fall I switch to Tillies 0-5-5, but may switch to Biolink 0-5-5 this fall. I apply this 0-5-5 fert during the winter months.

Chemical ferts tend to be too strong for maples, but if you like to use slow release ferts pick one with a low nitrogen number and apply it at 1/4 or less the recommended dosage. This should prevent burning your maples.

Layne