Starting your journey to grow a bonsai tree from a seed is a unique and exciting adventure. This process, known as Misho, lets you control every stage of growth, from sowing the seeds to the refinement of your mature bonsai. Growing bonsai is not quick or easy, but it’s valuable.
Guide to Growing Bonsai
To ensure success, follow a complete how to guide that covers all the necessary steps and requirements. This includes stratification of seeds, particularly for those from different climates. Stratification is crucial as it helps seeds germinate by simulating natural environmental conditions. Remember, patience and attention to detail are key—errors in planting or care can teach us just as much as our successes.
Cultivating Bonsai: More Than Just Planting
Understanding the nitty-gritty of bonsai cultivation goes beyond just getting seeds into the soil. Each species has its unique requirements. For example, Japanese maples require more mindful care and consideration, especially when it comes to light and water. Embrace this adventure as a chance to learn and make the best of your years of cultivation.
Steps To Grow Bonsai From Seed
Preparing Bonsai Seeds
To start, Bonsai seeds must be prepared correctly, which is an important part of the process. Stratification involves soaking the seeds in water or placing them between layers of wet paper towels and soaking them again. Each type of seed has its own unique needs.
When sowing the seeds in the soil, it’s wise to plant about three to five seeds per pot. This increases the chances that at least one will germinate and grow into a healthy seedling. The number of seeds helps ensure at least one successful seedling to nurture into a mature bonsai. Additionally, you might consider trying to Grow Creeping Thyme in a similar fashion for a lovely aromatic addition to your garden.
Preparing Soil For Bonsai
For seeds just starting, it’s crucial to use soil specifically designed for seed-starting. This ensures proper germination and supports the development of a substantial root system. Once your bonsai has matured, switch to high quality bonsai soil to help your tree grow healthily and prosperously.
preparing bonsai pot
Choose a pot with draining holes to ensure your seedlings have continuous access to water and air, vital for their growth. Cover the hole with mesh to prevent soil loss. This setup helps maintain the right environment for healthy development. especially when you want to grow petunias or other delicate plants.
Guide to Proper Planting and Growing of Bonsai Tree Seeds
Scarify Seeds:
- Some seeds require scarification, a process of placing them in the refrigerator for a few days to help with germinating.
- Research the specific type of seed to see if this step is necessary.
Prepare the Container:
- Fill your container with soil at least two inches deep for proper bedding of the seedlings.
- Cover the holes in the pot with mesh to prevent soil loss.
- Water the soil and let it dry outside before sowing the seeds.
Sow the Seeds:
- Once the soil is dried, sow your seeds, leaving about a 2-inch space between each one.
- Ensure they germinate by placing them in a warm, sunny area outside, or use a warming pad indoors to provide enough heat.
Water Regularly:
- A bonsai seed needs regular watering and daily misting to sprout and stay moist.
Fertilize the Seeds:
- After the seeds have grown a couple of sets of leaves, start to fertilize them lightly.
Repotting Bonsai Tree
- After a year, when your tree has developed a healthy root and trunk, you can repot it into a larger pot for further training and styling.
From Seedling to Bonsai
- Growing Bonsai trees from seeds requires patience as you watch their development. Start with proper styling to avoid the need to prune thick branches later.
- Once the seeds have sprouted, ensure they get enough light during the cotyledon stage. Use an LED grow light for at least 10 hours a day or a conventional grow light for 8-10 hours.
- On cloudy days, keep an eye on the cooler varieties like spruces, pine, elm, and redwood, as they don’t like hot sunlight. Position your plants near a windowsill for natural sunlight.
- Rotate the pots daily to help them grow straight. For more detailed pruning techniques and wiring, refer to our online course on Styling Bonsai.
Bonsai Seed Specific Sowing and Care Guide
| Seed Type | Preparation | Soaking Method | Planting Depth | Soil Temperature | Germination Time | Additional Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Bonsai seeds need to be “prepared” before sowing. Stratification: soak seeds in water or between wet paper towels. | Different seeds have unique needs. | ||||
| Flame Tree (Delonix Regia) | Snip 1/8th of the pointy end of the seed off. | Soak in warm water for 24-48 hours. | 1/4″-1/2″ | 70-80F (ideal 75F) | Up to a month | Keep soil moist, mist daily. White membrane on seed casing is normal. |
| Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda Mimosifolia) | No special preparation needed. | Soak between wet paper towels for 12-24 hours. | 1/4″ | Above 85F | Almost two months | Use a seed heating mat, protect from temperatures below 55F. |
| Colorado Blue Spruce, Black Spruce, Japanese Black Pine | No special preparation needed. | Soak in cool water for 8-12 hours. | 1/8″ | Cool 65F | One month | Keep in cool location, loose soil, minimal top growth in first year. |
| Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia Glyptostroboides) | Place seeds with peat moss in a Ziploc bag in refrigerator for a month. | 1/8″-1/4″ | 70F | Two months | Lightly sprinkle soil over seeds, do not compress soil much. | |
| Buddha Tree (Ficus Religiosa) | Rub seeds against sandpaper after soaking. | Soak between wet paper towels for two days. | 1/16″ | No cooler than 75F | 90 days | Mist soil regularly, use saran wrap to maintain humidity, alternating days. |
| Siberian Elm (Ulmus Pumila) | No special preparation needed. | Soak in cold or warm water for a day. | 1/4″ or less | 65F-70F | About a month | Lightly compact soil to prevent movement, keep cool. |
Conclusion
Growing a bonsai tree from a seed is a real exercise in patience and care. It’s more about the journey than any final destination because each tree takes its sweet time to develop. Getting the basics right, like picking the right seed and getting to grips with scarification and repotting, is crucial.
Once you’ve started, you’re in it for the long haul. Maintaining consistent care using the right materials and equipment is key to helping your bonsai thrive. This is a slow process, but with patience, you’ll see your bonsai slowly start to take shape. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in gardening, learning how to Grow Zucchini Vertically can also be a rewarding endeavor.
FAQs
How long does it take to grow a bonsai from seed?
Growing a bonsai tree from a seed is a long-term commitment. On average, it will take about 10-15 years for the tree to mature. Depending on the species, some may need up to 30 years to be considered fully mature.
What is the best beginner bonsai from seed?
Start with a Ficus: Ideal for beginners, this tropical evergreen tree is tough and adapts well to both indoor and outdoor environments. Its robust trunk and aerial roots are forgiving, making it a great first choice for novice bonsai enthusiasts.
Consider the Chinese Elm: If you’re drawn to trees that change with the seasons, the Chinese Elm is for you. This semi-evergreen tree is celebrated for its small leaves that turn yellow in autumn. It’s resilient, looks delicate, and is less expensive compared to many other bonsai species.
Explore Succulent Options with the Small Leaf Jade: Known scientifically as Portulcaria afra, this evergreen succulent is superb for those who prefer low-maintenance plants. It features thick trunks and vibrant oval leaves, thriving with minimal watering.
Go Classic with a Juniper: If you want a bonsai that embodies the classic Japanese aesthetic, opt for a Juniper. Its dense, green foliage can be shaped into picturesque forms, making it a valuable and iconic addition to any collection.
Admire the Decorative Cotoneaster: For year-round visual appeal, the Cotoneaster is unmatched. This evergreen is adorned with small leaves, delicate flowers, and vibrant berries, perfect for enhancing both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Is it better to grow bonsai from seed or cutting?
When deciding whether to grow your Bonsai from seeds or cuttings, each method has its benefits. Cuttings offer a faster start, as this method reduces the time needed compared to seeds. Known as Sashiki in Japanese, this technique is popular among growers because it’s more inexpensive and provides foresight into the characteristics the new trees will have.
How often should I water bonsai seeds?
when and how to water your seeds, it’s best to check the soil moisture with your fingers about one centimeter deep. If the soil feels slightly dry, go ahead and water the tree. Avoid a set daily routine until you are more experienced and can determine each tree’s specific watering needs. Over time, you’ll start to see, not just feel, when your bonsai needs water.
