|
|
They are modeled on trees as nature intended, they can
have a weathered or natural look i.e.
1/ Windswept (Fukinagashi)
|
|
Tree Index /
Acers / Conifers
/ Broadleaves A / Broadleaves
B-E / Broadleaves F-Z /
Collections /
Stratified Seed / Climbers
The sheer beauty and elegance of Bonsai make them a rewarding and worthy subject to grow from seed. They are a living work of art each as individual as the grower, it is an ancient art, and 'Bonsai' subjects are beautiful and graceful plants that reflect the patience and care of their owners. It is advisable to consult books on the subject, which there are many and can easily be sourced from the local library, to practice this ancient art of producing miniature trees.
|
|
They are modeled on trees as nature intended, they can
have a weathered or natural look i.e.
1/ Windswept (Fukinagashi)
|
|
All Tree seed supplied with a fact sheet on pre-treating seeds. Please be aware some seed may take a long time to germinate even if some seed has germinated do not discard the seed trays/pots too early. For time to sow use the sowing code and deduct the amount of weeks stratification from late winter/early spring. MD12 will require stratification 12 weeks prior to sowing around mid to late December if you are sowing in the spring.
|
Shop for Tree Seeds |
This is a guide only as it is difficult to accurately state when a tree seed
will germinate, do not discard trays too early they may germinate the following
year. NOTE when per-chilling open sealed bags to allow air to enter twice
weekly. You may notice seed germinating while in the fridge, remove and sow this
seed. Seed requiring Pre treatment (stratification) can be either sown in pots
and left outside for nature to take its course (ensure pots are covered to
prevent mice eating the seeds) or it can be mixed with a small amount of damp
vermiculite, damp sand or damp sphagnum moss and sealed in a plastic bag and
then placed in the fridge for the stated time.
For the longer stratification requirements of some species it may be
practical to sow outdoors where they will be exposed to the normal seasonal
temperature fluctuations e.g. those labeled DD. Seed labelled DD50 should be sown in April if the
germination is required the following spring, this would give the seed 20 weeks
of warm stratification (summer) followed by 30 weeks cold stratification
(winter). After Pre-treatment seed requires sowing, Fine seed sow on compost
surface larger seed cover, sow in either pots, trays or plugs/cells. Please note
some species may take a couple of years to germinate. KEY to code found on seed
packet label. Pre-treatment to be applied prior to sowing the seed.
L
Pour
several lots of hot water (not
boiling) over the seeds or rub seed on sandpaper to break down the
seed coating, leave the seeds to soak for 5-10 hours until seed coating
has softened and seed swollen slightly if no swelling takes place (seed does not
imbibe water) continue soaking or break down outer seed surface and then soak,
Continue treatment until 75%+ of
seeds imbibe water. then sow seed at 18° C +
SD
These seeds will benefit from a moist pre chilling
treatment. Use the same technique as code PC below
PC
These seeds are not actually
dormant, but will germinate faster if given a moist chilling (or pre-chilling)
at 0-2°C for up to 10 weeks.
Pre soak seed for 24-48 hours drain and place in polythene bag or container and
tie while still moist place in fridge, keep mixed regularly during cold storage,
store for the time indicated on label or minimum 4 weeks. Then sow seed at 18° C
+
ND or O No pre-treatment required, sow at 18° C +
MD
These seeds will not germinate at all unless given a lengthy
period of chilling. Soak seed in running water for 48 hours, drain and mix with
sieved peat and sharp sand or vermiculite. (Mix with equal volume of sieved peat
and sharp sand mist sprayed to dampen do not get the medium too wet or seed will
rot). Place in polythene bag tie
lightly, store for the number of weeks indicated on the label for that species,
e.g. MD14 = 14 weeks chilling, some seed will require warm stratification first
this will be indicated on the label
e.g. MD16; 2 weeks at 16-20° C followed
by 14 weeks cold strat (pre chilling).
Tree Seed often has more even germination if kept for 2 weeks at 18-20° C
prior to chilling period.
Mix the seed twice a week in the bag to allow fresh air to enter and the seed to
breathe.
DD These seeds are deeply dormant and require a lengthy
period under warm and cold conditions. Natural temperature fluctuations are the
most effective i.e. sow outdoors and allow nature to take its course.
Mix with equal volume of sieved peat and sharp sand mist sprayed to dampen do
not get the medium too wet or seed will rot. Soak seed in running water for 48
hours, drain and mix with sieved peat and sharp sand. The conditions can be given artificially by using a warm room
and refrigerator. Dry seed often has more even germination if kept for 2 weeks
at 18-20° C. Treat the
seed for the number of weeks indicated for the species. Mix the seed twice a
week in the bag to allow fresh air to enter and the seed to breathe.
Monkey Puzzle Tree
Pre treated Seed when available
(Araucaria araucana) BZ036
Germinated seeds
Pot up on receipt into 9cm
pots of gritty compost with added pearlite either lay seed on surface & lightly
cover root radical, Or can be
inserted sprouted part (root radical) fully into compost leaving 1/3 of seed
above compost. Grow on outdoors but protect seedlings during very cold weather (
& from squirrels mice etc) or in greenhouse. Due to the warm climate of these
trees growing on in greenhouse/indoors is the preferred method.
Pre-Treated Seeds
Recommended compost 70% moss peat or well rotted garden compost 20% medium grit
or pearlite 10% loam and slow release fertiliser, this compost is suitable
for all the tree seeds. The seed has been subject to a cold period of 6 to 18
months and are ready to sow on receipt some seeds will have already have
germinated. For the best results from these seeds place in bottom of
refrigerator on receipt until end of March (if receiving them early winter
onwards), check seed weekly to see if any have started to germinate, if so, sow
the seed in a frost free place. Sprinkle seed over the surface of the compost,
keep compost just moist (too much water can rot the seedlings) germination may
take several months, please note not all the seed will germinate and it is
advisable not to discard the seed for a couple of years. Seed from Acer palmatum
may not always come true to the parent tree, many will produce a range of
variable seedlings, many may be unique.
|
| Scarification :- The germination of some seeds is
greatly improved by rubbing the seeds lightly between two sheets of
sandpaper or soaking in water to break down the hard coating which
prevents the seed from imbibing moisture. Stratification :- Tree seeds have to be subjected to a period of cold and warm stratification to break their dormancy before germination takes place, as it would normally in the spring. You can provide the period of cold by adding the seed to damp sieved peat, sand or vermiculite and putting it in a plastic bag in the fridge for 2-32 weeks dependant on species. |
Bonsai Clubs International
A non-profit educational organization, with a wealth of information
including Bonsai tools and taking care of your Bonsai, Species guide and styling
information.
Tree Index / Acers / Conifers / Broadleaves A / Broadleaves B-E / Broadleaves F-Z / Collections / Stratified Seed / Climbers
The cultural information should be
used as a guide only, I have found a number of different sowing techniques for
the same seed from different sources there does not seem to be a standard. With
this in mind you should use this website as a guide only, you probably already
have a tried and tested way of sowing different seeds. As a rule of thumb the
larger the seed size the more cover it requires, and fine seed like Lobelia
Begonia etc requires no cover.
Disclaimer
© 2002-2007 Nicky's Nursery.
All Rights Reserved.
