subject: Bonsai And Bonsai Tree Seeds [print this page] Miniature tree is a unique and fantastic living form of art. Tree seeds can be used as a miniature tree and there are about 250 seed species that can be cultivated as a bonsai. Bonsai tree seeds can be bought from online businesses and on various gardening stores. You should have adequate knowledge about its species you are about to buy because this will help you in the right way of cultivating it.
Miniature tree seeds need to undergo germination process. Before you can have a successful germination process, first you should make sure that they will remain fresh. You can maintain its freshness by storing it inside the refrigerator with a temperature of 5 to 6 degree Celsius. Then, you can now proceed with the germination process. Germination process has two methods:
Natural germination- this method allows the scarification and stratification to take place naturally during the winter. You just have to plant the seed in the specified soil during spring, and expect it to sprout the following spring season.
Forced germination- this method involves artificially performing the germination process. This method includes three steps but these are only applicable to most bonsai tree seed species. Three steps include:
1) Scarification- this process involves softening of the outer layer of the seed. This will allow the water to get inside the bonsai tree seed. You have to soak the bonsai tree seed in a bowl of water for 24 to 48 hours. The temperature of water that will be used depends on the bonsai tree seed species you have. Some may require water in room temperature, warm water, or boiling water. Bonsai tree seeds that sink in at the bottom of the bowl indicate that these seeds are viable. While those bonsai tree seeds that are floating on the water need to be thrown away because they are empty.
2) Stratification- this process allows the bonsai tree seed to undergo pretreatment. This process will stimulate the natural winter condition as this is required for the bonsai tree seed before undergoing germination process. Stratification has two types: cold stratification and heat stratification.
-Cold Stratification- this type of stratification is indicated for bonsai tree species that needs to be exposed in a cold weather before they can proceed to the germination process during summer. Cold stratification is done by placing the bonsai tree seeds in a moist paper towel and places it in a ziplock bag or container. Then, it is stored inside the refrigerator for about 90 to 120 days. During this period when they are exposed to cold environment, the bonsai tree seeds will undergo a dormancy period or resting period that is required before they can continue with the germination process.
-Heat Stratification- this type of stratification is required for some bonsai tree seed species. Heat stratification is done between cold stratification processes. This process involves putting the bonsai tree seeds in a refrigerator, and then placing the seeds into a container exposed in a room temperature for a specific time. After that, the bonsai tree seeds should be brought back to the refrigerator to continue the interrupted cold stratification process.
3) Sowing- The seeds are buried in the soil, about half an inch from the top level of the soil. You should water the soil on a regular basis to keep them hydrated.
