seed starting

Alasdair

I try to grow from seed. many different conifer varieties including JBP, yew and cryptomeria. I've also done birch, beech, hornbeam, oak, willow and buddleia. one big advantage i've found is that you can train the tree however you want, and through clip and grow techniques you can end up with a specimin that has no wounds on it. Provided you don't wait too long to prune. It does take ages though so i suppliment my diet of seed with twigs and roots aswell.

Al

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I can feel another "I wish that was my tree" moment coming on...
Currently studying BSc Plant Biology at the Universty of Wales, Aberystwyth

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albek

Starting Shohin-bonsai from seed are possible if you are willing to take the time. The small plants developed from seed must be grown in the ground to speed up the process, until the trunk has fattened. Later it can be settled in a container.

A faster and easier way to reach results is to skip the seed part, and buy a nursery stock. It is easier, and the result is almost the same. You get a young starter plant, which can be formed almost from scratch.
This is my preferred method, because we have a lot of material available around here at garden centres.

Growing from seeds can be a lot of fun. It requires though patience with the results as bonsai, which takes some time.

A happy New Year to all Shohin and Mame-bonsai lovers around.

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Morten Albek
Shohin-bonsai Europe
Morten Albek Bonsai