Zelkova serrata from seed questions

28-Mar-2007	#1
Briandb bonsaiTALK Neophyte Join Date: Mar-2007 Location: Prince Edward Island Country: Canada USDA Zone: 5 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 3	Zelkova serrata from seed questions Hello all, I'm interested on starting some Zelkova serrata for seed, but have a few questions. What is the best method for cold stratification? Would 6 weeks in damb peat in the fridge work? How deep should the growing pan be, and what kind of drainage should it have? What should the growing medium consist of? What conditions do the seeds need to germinate? i.e. temperature, light, humidity... those are my questions any help and suggestions I would greatly appritiate. Thanks Brian

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28-Mar-2007	#2
Aaron_K bonsaiTALK Master Chief Join Date: Mar-2004 Country: England USDA Zone: 8 AHS Heat Zone: 2-3 Posts: 1,477	Hi Brian, I purchased about 300 Zelkova seeds winter 2005-2006. I soaked them for 24 hours, drained and repeated this for another 24 hours. All floating seeds were removed after this time period as they hadn't imbibed any water. I then sewed them in seed trays consisting of a high-fired clay cat litter and placed the seeds on top. I then covered them with a 5mm addition litter. The trays were then placed outside for the remainder of the winter to stratify naturally (although you could achieve the same thing in the fridge). The litter was kept damp, and only required additional water maybe once every 3 weeks or so, depending on the mildness of the weather. I now have somewhere in the region of 200 Zelkova seedlings lol. When large enough, prick out the seedlings and pot on to larger containers. Hope that helps. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. All the best, Aaron __________________ Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Muriel Strode Vulpes pilum mutat, non mores! "A fox may change its skin but never its character"

30-Mar-2007	#3
Briandb bonsaiTALK Neophyte Join Date: Mar-2007 Location: Prince Edward Island Country: Canada USDA Zone: 5 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 3	Thanks Aaron. that is certianly helpful to me. How deep were the seed trays you used? Also, approximately what size containers did you pot the seedlings in after germination? Brian

30-Mar-2007	#4
Aaron_K bonsaiTALK Master Chief Join Date: Mar-2004 Country: England USDA Zone: 8 AHS Heat Zone: 2-3 Posts: 1,477	Hi Brian, The seed trays were about 2" deep. Because I had so many germinate, I was rather limited as to how many I could pot up. Some I left in the seed tray until this spring. Some I potted into 6" pots and some into a grow box. Essentially, just provide as much root space as possible without going overboard. A 6" pot will be more than enough for a years growth. Good luck. All the best, Aaron __________________ Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Muriel Strode Vulpes pilum mutat, non mores! "A fox may change its skin but never its character"

30-Mar-2007	#5
Briandb bonsaiTALK Neophyte Join Date: Mar-2007 Location: Prince Edward Island Country: Canada USDA Zone: 5 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 3	Great! Thanks again!! Brian

16-Apr-2007

jeremy_norbury

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_K

snip...

high-fired clay cat litter...snip

Aaron

What brand did you use?

__________________

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16-Apr-2007	#7
Aaron_K bonsaiTALK Master Chief Join Date: Mar-2004 Country: England USDA Zone: 8 AHS Heat Zone: 2-3 Posts: 1,477	Hi Jeremy, I use your very own Dutch "Sophisticat Pink". Excellent stuff. Rock solid, easy to tell when a top up of water is needed and it smells real purdy too lol. I think Hans van Meer uses it for perfume All the best, Aaron __________________ Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Muriel Strode Vulpes pilum mutat, non mores! "A fox may change its skin but never its character"