subject: Bonsai Tree Seeds Information [print this page] Bonsai tree seeds are just ordinary seeds from various trees. But these seeds can be developed as a bonsai tree. There are actually 250 species of seeds that can be cultivated as a bonsai tree. Raising a bonsai tree from a seed of tree is never an easy task. But if you are really enjoying growing plants, you will really find happiness and contentment when growing a bonsai tree. Patience and proper care are essential in bonsai tree propagation. You will never regret raising a bonsai tree as this can give you a unique beauty of living art.
What is the prerequisite before a seed can germinate?
Before you can successfully germinate a seed of a tree, it is very important to make sure that the tree seed remains fresh. You can maintain its freshness by keeping it in a refrigerator. You should put the tree seed in a plastic bag, and store it in the refrigerator with 5 to 6C temperature. This is how the tree seed sellers maintain its freshness.
What are the two methods of germination process?
Natural Germination- This method allows nature to take part in the scarification and stratification process during winter. You just have to bury the seed in a specific soil required by the bonsai tree seed species you have. It should be buried during autumn, and the bonsai tree seed will sprout the next season of spring.
Forced Germination- This method involves artificially accomplishing the germination process. Forced germination involves three steps that include scarification, stratification, and sowing.
How is forced germination possible?
Scarification is the first step in forced germination. It involves softening of the outer shell of the seeds by means of submerging it into water in a room temperature, warm water, or boiling water for about one to two days. The water used will rely on the species of bonsai tree seed. You should use only the bonsai tree seeds that sink in to the bottom of the container because these seeds are viable. Those bonsai tree seeds that have floated over the water contain nothing inside and they wont live. Thus, they need to be discarded.
Stratification is the second step in artificial germination. It involves exposing the bonsai tree seed in cold conditions because it is required before the seed can undergo germination. Cold stratification is for species that needs cold weather before they can proceed to germination. Place the bonsai tree seed in a moist medium (paper towel or sand), and then place it into a ziplock container. Then, store it inside the refrigerator for 90 to 120 days. The seeds are dormant within this period, and then after they can proceed to germination. Heat stratification is done between cold stratifications. It involves exposing the seeds to a room temperature and then placed it back again to the refrigerator to undergo cold stratification.
Sowing is the last step in forced germination. The bonsai tree seeds are buried half an inch below the ground or soil in a container. Make sure that the soil has enough moisture to support the growth of the bonsai tree seeds.
How can you ensure that the planted seeds will grow?
Sufficient water and sunlight are the basic requirements for a seed to grow. You should make sure that the planted seed is exposed to sunlight whether it is placed indoor or outdoor. You should keep the soil from drying up to prevent death of the seeds.
