A Complete Guide to Starting Bonsai Seeds and Growing Seedlings

This article is for people who have our Bonsai Bonanza Starter Kit or our 8-variety Bonsai Seed set.

It would be great if all seeds were easy to grow and had the same needs. Unfortunately, this isnt the case. Seeds come from all different locations, climates, and may have special stratification methods to ensure germination.

When you grow a tree from a seed, you need to be patient and give it lots of care. Remember that you are growing a tree! You will make mistakes along the way, especially if you are new to bonsai growing. If you want to know how to plant and take care of your bonsai seeds the right way, this is the complete guide!

If the tree seed titles or names are highlighted in green, click on them to see a how-to video (thanks, Nikki!) for that seed! If the title or name is highlighted in blue, click on it to see an article with more information or a product page!

Take the time to read the seed packets carefully. The back of each packet has important information that is unique to that seed. Pay attention to the germination days, which tell you how long it usually takes for that type of seed to sprout, and the soil temperature that seed needs. This temperature must be maintained for the whole time the seeds are supposed to grow, or else they won’t be able to pop up! A seed heating mat is the best way to keep the soil warm.

Seed Specific Sowing and Care Information Bonsai seeds will need to be “prepared” before sowing in the soil. Stratification is a key step! To do this, either soak the seeds in water or put them between layers of wet paper towel and soak them that way. Again, different seeds will have their own unique needs!.

Soil: When you plant these seeds, only use soil made for seed-starting. Don’t use bonsai soil until the plants are fully grown and have strong roots. Using any other type of soil, other than seed starting soil, can result in poor germination.

WateringMonitor the average hydration of the soil, and make sure it stays damp but not soaking. Soaking wet soil can lead to rotten seeds, mold, and other undesirable soil conditions. All soils are different, so never rely on watering every day or on certain days. Sprouts need different amounts of water every day, depending on how fast they grow. Usually, you should deep water them twice a week and mist the top soil whenever it looks dry.

You can purchase a moisture meter or you can use a toothpick/wooden skewer. Carefully push the toothpick all the way into the soil. If it comes up wet/has soil stuck to it, you dont need to water. If it comes up dry/no soil stuck to it, you need to water. For your seeds to keep growing past the cotyledon stage, they will need a lot of light as soon as they sprout. If you use an LED grow light, make sure it’s on for at least 10 hours a day. If youre using a conventional “bulb-type” grow light, you can run it from 8-10 hours. Failure to supply your sprouts with enough sunshine will deprive them of their primary source of energy. If you believe that the sun’s light is what your sprouts need to grow, be ready for fussy little plants on cloudy days. Spruce, pine, elm, and redwood trees are cooler types that won’t like hot sunlight or grow lights. Make sure they get plenty of light, but keep them cool.

*If you are growing your sprouts on a windowsill or in direct sunlight, turn the pots over every day to make sure they grow straight and not leaning to one side.

Plant FoodOnce your sprouts have developed their second set of leaves, theyll be getting hungry. It’s time to feed the plants! The best kind is an organic plant food that is water-based and low in dose. This will get to the roots the fastest. Make sure it low in nitrogen, and has lots of micro-nutrients.

Thinning out your sprouts:For the strongest, healthiest sprouts, youll want just one seedling per pot or cell. Many gardeners find it hard to thin their plants because they don’t want to lose the sprouts they worked so hard to grow. But it has to be done. Use scissors to cut off the other seedlings at the soil line. Choose the healthiest and strongest seedling. Try moving the extras to different pots, but be careful not to damage the roots too much or you could kill them all.

Transplanting (click for video): It may be very tempting to put your sprouts in a bonsai pot right away, but wait until they are big enough. Some sprouts can stay in their starter pots for up to a year! If you plant them again too soon, you could kill them because the roots are still too soft. You can read our guide on when and how to transplant here.

Need help with a sick bonsai tree or have questions? Feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions about planting, growing, or caring for your bonsai tree. We are here to help and love telling new gardeners how to get the most out of our seeds! com. You can also find us on Facebook and InstagramHappy Tree Sowing!.

Growing bonsai trees from seeds is an extremely rewarding process. Starting with a tiny bonsai seed, you can nurture a beautiful miniaturized tree specimen over time. However, bonsai seeds have specific care requirements at each stage of growth. Follow this complete guide to mastering bonsai seed starting and raising healthy seedlings.

Choosing High Quality Bonsai Seeds

The first step is acquiring viable bonsai tree seeds to plant, Here are some tips

Shop for seeds of tree species that make good bonsai candidates like maples, pines junipers elms, oaks, and flowering trees. Avoid seeds from weak-wooded or short-lived trees.

Purchase seeds from reputable bonsai nurseries or sellers to ensure freshness and proper storage. Old or mishandled seeds often fail to germinate.
Collect freshly fallen seeds in autumn from healthy local trees to start species adapted to your climate. Conifer cones and nuts like acorns are easy picks.
Inspect seeds and discard any that are small, shriveled, moldy, or damaged. Select large, plump seeds for the highest viability.

Store seeds in paper envelopes or bags in a cool, dry spot until planting. Proper storage prevents mold and premature sprouting.

Pre-Sowing Seed Stratification

Many bonsai seeds require a period of cold “stratification” before they will germinate. Here’s how to stratify seeds:

Soak seeds in water for 24-48 hours before stratification. Soaking softens the seed coat and begins the germination process.
Place soaked seeds between damp paper towels and put in a partially sealed plastic bag. Refrigerate for 1-3 months at 35-45°F. Check periodically that seeds stay moist.
The required stratification time depends on the plant species. Do research to determine the ideal duration and temperature for stratifying your variety.

Not all seeds need cold treatment. If sowing freshly collected seeds in fall, you can skip stratification.

Choosing the Right Soil Medium

Good soil drainage and aeration is crucial for bonsai seedlings. Avoid regular potting soil, which stays too wet. The best seed starting mixes include:

A blend of coarse sand and fine bark or akadama particles. This combination aerates the soil while retaining some moisture.
Equal parts peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, and sand or pumice. The peat adds water retention while the other elements improve drainage.
Specialty bonsai soil mixes designed for seed starting. These ready-made mixes provide an ideal balance of moisture and aeration.

Straight akadama or very coarse sand. However, these may dry out too quickly and need frequent watering.

Sowing Bonsai Seeds Correctly

With stratified seeds and suitable soil, you’re ready to sow! Follow these tips:

Fill small 2-3 inch starter pots with pre-moistened soil medium, leaving 1⁄2 inch at the top. Shallow pots prevent seeds from planting too deep.
Gently tamp down the soil but avoid compacting it too tightly. Loose soil gives seeds room to sprout.
Spread seeds evenly over the soil surface. For large seeds like nuts, space them 1-2 inches apart. Place tiny seeds closer together.

Dust a thin layer of soil or sand over the seeds to just barely cover them. Don’t bury small seeds too deeply.
Mist gently until the soil is uniformly moist but not saturated. Proper watering is key.
Cover pots with plastic wrap or place in a seed starting tray with a clear dome lid to maintain humidity.

Caring for Bonsai Seeds and Seedlings

Consistent care is required after sowing bonsai seeds:

Keep seeds at the proper temperature for germination, usually 65-75°F. Use a heat mat if needed.

Check soil daily and water lightly when the surface begins to dry out. Don’t allow pots to dry completely.
Remove covers once sprouts emerge to prevent mold. Mist leaves occasionally for humidity.
Move seedlings to bright, indirect light right away. 12-16 hours daily is ideal. Avoid harsh direct sunlight.

Thin sprouts to 1-2 seedlings per pot once the first true leaves appear. Snip excess sprouts at soil level.
Begin fertilizing 3-4 weeks after germination when the root system develops. Use a diluted liquid bonsai fertilizer.
Monitor for fungal issues like damping off disease and treat promptly with organic fungicides.

Transplanting and Ongoing Care of Seedlings

As seedlings outgrow starter pots, follow these guidelines:

Wait until the root ball fully fills the pot before transplanting, usually after 1-2 years. Going too soon stresses delicate roots.

Very gently loosen root balls before repotting. Tease apart any thick mats of roots.
Pot into incrementally larger containers, only going up 1-2 inches each time.
Use bonsai soil mixes with good drainage. Avoid water-retaining potting soil or compost.

Prune back the top portion by 1/3 after repotting to balance root loss.
Allow several weeks for recovery before resuming fertilizing. Then use reduced feedings.
Protect young seedlings from extreme heat, cold, and wind. Their root systems are vulnerable.

With careful sowing, attentive early care, and proper ongoing maintenance, you can cultivate magnificent bonsai trees from modest seeds! It takes dedication but is immensely rewarding.

Growing Bonsai From Seeds: How to Sow

FAQ

How to start a bonsai tree from seeds?

Place the seeds on the soil and leave some room between the seeds. The bigger the seed, the more room they require. Add another inch (2 centimeters) of additional standard Bonsai soil on top of the seeds. Use your fingers to compact the soil a bit.

Do you have to soak bonsai seeds before planting?

Pre Soaking Seeds – When most seeds are collected they are dried to below 10% moisture levels which will make the seeds go dormant and allow them to be stored for longer, Before we stratify some seeds we need to soak them in warm to moderately hot water ( not boiling ) to bring the moisture levels back up to 60% or …

Are bonsai trees hard to grow from seed?

Q: How hard is it to grow Bonsai? A: It’s not very hard at all: there are just a few things you have to understand when you start. The most important thing, the one you can never allow yourself to forget, is that you are dealing with a living tree, that changes and grows, and requires some kind of interaction with you.

How long do bonsai seeds take to germinate?

The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of mix and kept moist. The trays should be placed in a warm but shaded area. Germination will take 15 to 30 days with an expected germination of 70%.

Can a bonsai tree grow from a seed?

Note that if you choose to grow your Bonsai tree from a seed, you’ll have the ability to control your tree’s growth in nearly every stage of its development. However, it can take up to 5 years (depending on the species of tree) for a Bonsai tree to grow from a seed into a full-grown tree.

How do you germinate bonsai seeds?

It is also recommended that you use a fungicide when germinating Bonsai seeds. These steps will help to ensure that fungus growth does not hinder the germination process. When using peat pellets, place one seed in each pellet. You can either plant the seeds individually or place a few seeds together, depending on your preference .

Can you make a bonsai pot with garden soil?

Garden soil is too heavy for a bonsai pot and it is generally not sterilized. Your tree seed for making your bonsai may not be able to survive it. Fill a bonsai pot with several drainage holes within 1/2-inch from its lip. You can place coffee filters too over the drainage holes if ever the soil crumbles out of them.