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64 Comments


Material

  • 1/2 cup Seeds, collected from trees growing in Autumn; chestnuts & acorns work great
  • 1 x 15cm (6") Choose a pot roughly 15 cm (6’’) deep with a hole for drainage.
  • Fine gravel & Akadama a type of clay you can purchase from a bonsai specialist

Method

  1. Choose a pot roughly 15 cm (6’’) deep with a hole for drainage.
  2. The bottom layer (roughly ¼ of the pot) should consist of fine gravel and akadama (a type of clay you can purchase from a bonsai specialist) in a ratio of ½ to ½.
  3. On top of the bottom layer put akadama, fine gravel and potting compost mixed together in a ratio of ½ to ¼ to ¼. This layer should fill the pot up to roughly 3 cm (1’’).
  4. Put the seeds on top of the earth and place them 2 to 5 cm (about 1’’ - 2’’) apart, depending on the size of the seeds.
  5. Cover the seeds with the same ground mixture.
  6. Rinse a considerable amount of water over the seedbed, but be careful not to disturb the soil surface by using a fine nozzle.

Notes

You can collect seeds from trees growing in your area in autumn. Seeds like chestnuts and acorns are easy to find in the forest. Seeds from conifers can be found inside pine-cones. Once you collect the pine-cones you need to store them in a warm place so they will release the seeds from between the scales. Seeds of various tree species are also easily available for purchase in (online) bonsai shops.

Put the prepared seedbed outside on a bright position and keep it damp, but not wet. During the spring the Bonsai seeds will germinate, do not prune or repot the seedlings until the next spring. You can start using small quantities of fertilizer during the summer. After one year the seedlings can be separated and put in bigger pots; it will take at least three years of unrestricted growth before the seedlings are ready for their first training.



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About The Author

Hi, I am a mum with now grown children, 1 girl, 2 boys. I am now finding more time for myself which is nice & it is great to be a part of this group, I love it. My interests are cooking, reading, heath & beauty. We have recently fostered a young boy who has come into our lives when our older children left home & now we have a beautiful little girl who is in our care all the way from America.

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  • Looks amazing and would be a great Xmas present

    Reply

  • I’ve always wanted a bonsai. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  • I was given a Bonsai (Rubber Tree) in a beautifully decorated pot at Christmas and had no idea how to care for it but after some research I’m finding my way. I don’t think I’d have the patience to start from scratch. Nice work!

    Reply

  • I find bondsi so captivating

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  • Looks so cool. love bonsai

    Reply

  • It looks great – such an art form!

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  • I am not very good at gardening but it does look cool

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  • great idea! something to give my green thumb a go at

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  • I really like ur idea. Have collected so many seeds already and now next step is to collect pot

    Reply

  • Beautiful picture and amazing idea. Will try in the similar size of pot

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  • I used to make bonsai as a kid and sell them to people. Was a great little money maker, they’re so cute

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  • I use to have the most beautiful little bossai! Thought I was doing a good job looking after it..until it suddenly started to die! :-/ I was so upset!

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  • Not sure I have a green thumb ready for this one. Good luck to those that try.

    Reply

  • Would make a lovely Christmas gift for the Grandparents.

    Reply

  • Wow that’s incredible. I wonder if I can be successful at this. Can’t hurt to give it a go. Thank you.

    Reply

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