How to grow bonsai from seeds at home?
As I have already said, the concept of "bonsai seeds" does not exist. But various shops and companies are constantly trying to make money on this. If you want to grow your bonsai from start to finish, then I advise you to buy a seedling. It is difficult for a beginner to start with seeds! Growing this way will take you a lot of time and as a result, without waiting for the result, you will most likely lose interest in this art.
Where to find bonsai seeds
It is best to collect seeds for plants of your region in the forest in autumn. For coniferous plants, seeds can be taken from cones. After collection, it is better to store cones in a warm place, then the seeds will fall out of the scales themselves.
Seeds of other plant species can be found for sale in various specialized online stores.
Be sure to read customer reviews when ordering seeds.
Bonsai Seed Germination and Care
So, before planting seeds, they need to be germinated properly. Seeds germinate when conditions become favorable.
The seeds should be placed in water for 3-6 hours, and then placed in a damp cloth or plastic bag for 3-4 days at room temperature. The seeds that have swollen are viable.
Next, the seeds should be placed in special soil. Water and spray it every day, do not allow the soil to dry out.
After the seeds germinate (in about half a year), transplant the seedlings into another soil, shortening the roots by about a third. A year later, repeat this procedure again, if necessary, you can cut the leaves by a third. Two months after transplanting, you can begin fertilizing.
In the third year, replant the plant again. It is best to start shaping bonsai in the third year of the tree's life.
