🌳 Growing Aphananthe aspera (Japanese Hackberry) From Seed: My Full 1-Year Journey
Aphananthe aspera, commonly known as the Japanese Hackberry, is a lesser-known deciduous tree native to East Asia.
I grew this tree from seeds that I collected in the fall.
From harvesting fruit → extracting seeds → germinating → transplanting → pruning,
this is my complete 1-year growth record.
If you enjoy growing trees from seed, this species is extremely rewarding.
1. Autumn Leaves of Aphananthe aspera (November)
In late November 2024, the leaves of the Puzo Tree turned a warm mix of yellow and brown. This is the stage when the fruits naturally fall and the seeds are fully mature.
I photographed the autumn foliage before collecting any fruits.
2. Fallen Fruits on the Ground
On the ground beneath the tree, small round fruits were scattered.
These fruits contain the seeds needed for propagation.
Fresh fallen fruits are the best source for viable seeds.
3. Close-Up of the Fruit
The fruit is small, round, and slightly fleshy. Inside each fruit, there is typically one hard seed. This stage is perfect for seed collection.
4. Extracting the Clean Seeds
After removing the outer flesh, a clean, firm seed is revealed. I washed each seed thoroughly to prevent mold during stratification or sowing.
A clean seed dramatically increases germination success.
5. Sowing Seeds in Soil (May of the Following Year)
The next May, I sowed the seeds in a shallow tray filled with well-draining soil. Since the seeds are buried beneath the surface, only the soil is visible in the photo.
Moist, warm spring conditions are ideal for germination.
6. Two Months Later: Seedling Emerges
Around two months after sowing, young seedlings of Aphananthe aspera began to appear. Characteristics of early seedlings:
- Thin upright stem
- Small bright green leaves
- Surprisingly quick vertical growth
For a deciduous tree, it grows quite fast in its first year.
7. Preparing for Potting — Roots Exposed
When the seedlings were ready for transplanting, I gently removed them from the soil.
Their roots were long and healthy, showing good early development.
Strong root growth indicates high seed viability and balanced moisture.
8. Planting the Seedling in a Pot
I transplanted the young seedling into a small pot for continued growth.
Aphananthe aspera prefers:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining soil
- Regular watering, but no waterlogging
The tree adapts well to container growth in its early years.
9. Pruning a Tall Seedling
As the tree grew taller through summer, the stem became elongated. I pruned the middle section to create a stronger structure and encourage branching.
Early pruning helps:
- Prevent weak, overly tall stems
- Improve trunk stability
- Form future canopy shape
This is especially important for young deciduous trees.
Conclusion
Growing Aphananthe aspera from seed is a rewarding long-term project.
From autumn fruit collection to watching a 1-year-old seedling stand on its own,
the process teaches patience and highlights the resilience of this species.
If you enjoy growing rare trees or want to raise something unique from seed,
Aphananthe aspera is a beautiful and surprisingly easy tree to cultivate.
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