How To Grow Bonsai's

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My Seeds DIY Bonsai Kits make a great hobby.

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Growing Bonsai from tree seeds can be very rewarding and gives you 100%

control from the earliest stage possible. Obviously, patience is required for any

Bonsai, however growing from seed is the only way to have full manipulation of

your Bonsai right from the start!

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Buy Bonsai Seeds from My Seeds

 

When To Plant Bonsai Seeds?

Seeds of many tree species are naturally programmed to survive through

Winter and germinate in early Spring, to maximise the duration of their first

growth season.

The best time to sow seeds is Spring & Autumn in mild conditions. When

growing varieties that require a Winter dormancy you can start them at any

time by mimicking the cold season – simply store the seeds in your refrigerator

for 2-4 weeks prior to sowing.

 

HOW TO SOW YOUR BONSAI SEEDS

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Prepare

Put soil pellets into a large bowl and add 500ml (approx. 2 cups) of

lukewarm water. After 10 minutes you will have enough soil to fill your Jiffy

pots. Loosen the soil with a table fork and put your new soil into each pot. Leave

about 10% of the soil in the bowl to use later.

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Sow

Place 1-3 seeds in each pot and lightly cover with the soil you have left in your

bowl. Gently press down with your fingers. Water thoroughly saturating the walls

of the pot and place in a warm, sunny spot. You should see the first sign of your

seedlings after 10-30 days.

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When the seedlings are 5cm tall, thin to leave only the strongest seedling in

each pot. This allows the seedling to have plenty of space to develop. The

surplus plants can be planted into another pot or directly into the garden.

Care

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Water seedlings when Jiffy pots start to turn light brown. Feed with half strength

liquid fertiliser every 10-14 days to promote healthy growth.

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Please note:

Some pots are biodegradable which allows the tender young roots of the

plant to easily penetrate the sides of the pot. The seedling does not have to be

removed from the pot itself when it is time to transplant, you simply plant the pot

and all. Transplanting Your Seedlings

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When your seedlings are large enough to handle you can transplant into

either a larger pot or into a Bonsai specific pot. (Please refer to our section on

“Bonsai Pots”)

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Fill the larger pot with Bonsai Soil Mix and move your seedling with pot and all;

this will ensure your tree seedling is moved safely without disturbing its fragile

root system and eliminating transplant shock. Bonsai soil mix can be purchased

from all good garden retailers.

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Ensure the entire pot is under the soil level, firm soil down gently with your

fingertips and water well.

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LOCATION OF YOUR BONSAI

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Deciding on the best location for your Bonsai tree depends on the local climate,

time of year and the species of your tree. Take the time to find out more about the

species of your tree and what its specific likes and dislikes are.

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Bonsai Location; Rule Of Thumb:

• Most outdoor trees like a sunny position sheltered from the wind

• Indoor trees also enjoy a warm, well-lit spot. A north-facing windowsill is ideal

• Even temperature is also important. Keep your Bonsai tree as far away from

air vents as possible

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BONSAI POTS

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Choosing A Bonsai Pot to Suit Your Tree

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A tree is a tree, a pot is only a pot. It does not become a Bonsai until the two

combine and grow together in harmony. Once your tree has aged and increased

in size it’s time to choose a suitable pot.

Bonsai Pot Requirements:

• Drainage holes to allow water to drain and good airflow around the roots.

• Wiring holes so that the tree can be fixed to the pot

• Pots can be made from ceramic, concrete or plastic. A classic Bonsai

pot is generally made from ceramic or porcelain – these are both non-porous

which means they do not absorb water.

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SEASONAL CARE

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During Cold Months

During the Autumn in colder areas, hardy or evergreen trees start preparing for

the coming Winter by hardening up new growth and (for deciduous trees)

dropping leaves to reduce moisture loss. This period of dormancy is important

for Bonsai trees, so you don’t need to bring them indoors.

Subtropical trees are different, these should be brought indoors during the

Winter if temperatures drop below 15 degrees Celsius. In warm climates they

can remain outside all year round. When indoors, tropical trees need lots of light

and relatively high humidity. A spot in front of a north-facing window will provide

the right amount of light.

 

BASIC GUIDELINES

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Size

It is important that the size of your pot and tree are balanced. If the main feature

of your tree is its height, choose a pot that is about two thirds of the tree’s height.

If the main feature of your tree is its horizontal spread, choose a pot that is about

two thirds of the tree’s width. As a rule the depth of the pot is about ½ to

2½ times the thickness of your tree’s trunk.

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