Seed Germination - HELPFUL TIDBITS

HELPFUL TIDBITS

To ensure you have success with your Bonsai seed germination, regardless of the method you prefer we have put some tips together to help you with the process:

• Remember that germination is not rocket science but an art that just requires common sense.
• If you plan to pre-treat your seeds, they love warm, environments and will do poorly in situations that are cold and wet.
• Do not become concerned if you notice some batches of Bonsai seeds sprouting before others – this is quite normal
• When germinating your seeds, especially using the cold stratification method, you need to keep everything sanitized. This means using sterile tools, soil, vermiculite, and so on.
• When using the cold stratification method, you need to be patient.
• Never over water
• If you want free Bonsai tree seeds, all you need to do is walk through your local park or neighborhood, collecting seeds right off the tree
• Keep in mind that all trees have special genetics. Therefore, if you choose to grow three elm Bonsai, you will have three different versions of the same species.
• If you plan to store seeds to be planted later on, place them in a plastic container with a good, solid seal, and then put them in the refrigerator

JAPANESE BLACK PINE SEEDLINGS
To give you an idea of the process for planting specific seedlings, we have chosen the Japanese Black Pine as an example. This tree is magnificent and strong. Because the Japanese Black Pine is so powerful and has a great spreading surface, this stable tree presents strong characteristics.

To start your Japanese Black Pine from seeds, you need to develop the spreading surface right after the juvenile needles have opened. The entire root structure needs to be removed, and then the shoots without roots will need to be treated. You will find that the new roots grow horizontally, making them easy to train.

You want to plant your Japanese Black Pine seeds anytime from late winter to early spring. Once you have growth, the roots will need to be cut off, using a very sharp blade. Make sure the cut is on the ends at the green portion of the shoot. Take this end and dip it in a good, rooting hormone. Now, you want to place the shoots in four-inch pots, using a light to medium granular soil.

It is important that the seedlings be protected from the sun, but just until the root is matured. Then to reduce problems with fungus, apply an organic fungicide. Additionally, keep the soil moist – not wet and not dry. Once your roots are fully formed, which usually takes about two months, fertilizer will need to be applied.


Bonsai Gardening Secrets