Sourcing Bonsai Seeds

As well as from the obvious option of  purchasing Bonsai Seeds from a reputable Nursery such as Bonsai Boy, Seeds themselves can actually be used from any Tree that you desire!

Gathering Bonsai Seeds Versus Nursery Seeds

Seeds can very easily be obtained from trees growing on fields, parks, roadsides, and gardens and then used as Bonsai Seeds. Take note that there really are no such things as the ‘correct species’ for the simple reason that Bonsai is an art form, irrespective of species.

Learn about growing bonsai trees from seed, in this free video. Expert: Mike Hansen Bio: Mike Hansen, owner of Midwest Bonsai, has been growing, caring, selling, and instructing others in bonsai care for years. Mike is an expert bonsai master.

You create Bonsai from ordinary trees with the use of special techniques and Bonsai Tools before placing the specimens into individual Bonsai Pots. Therefore, you should guard against getting tricked into buying overpriced tree seeds advertised as special seeds for Bonsai unless you know the supplier is trustworthy. Below are some examples of high quality, healthy Bonsai seeds.

Trident Maple Seeds

Propagation instructions are included with each packet.
List Price:
Price: 3.95

Red Heavenly Bamboo Seeds

Propagation instructions are included with each packet.
List Price:
Price: 3.95

Japanese Hornbeam Seeds

Propagation instructions are included with each packet.
List Price:
Price: 3.95

Japanese Greybark Elm Seeds

Propagation instructions are included with each packet.
List Price:
Price: 3.95

 

 

Weeping Pussy Willow Bonsai Tree (salix caprea ‘kilmarnock’)

A delightful mini Weeping Pussy Willow tree. In early spring the branches are covered with large, fluffy, silvery catkins followed by studded golden anthers. Lovely green foliage follows. Grafted head onto rootstock. Branches arch straight down making a beautiful display in all seasons. Excellent choice to accent a deck, patio or pond. Decideous. Keep outdoors.
List Price:
Price: 175.00

Trees Most Suited To Growing From Bonsai Seeds

Maple, Black Pine, Zelkovas, Larch, Beech, and Scots Pine as well as many other Japanese Bonsai are just some examples that are easy enough to grow from their seeds and convert into Bonsai Trees. Other popular species used like Needle Junipers, White Pine, and Hornbeam are a bit more difficult to germinate. The good news is that species like Maples, Oaks, and Beech have seedpods that are easily recognizable. And once you open these pods, you will typically find seeds in large quantities, which means that you can cultivate a large number of Trees with just one seedpod!

Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree – Large (Acer Palmatum “Atropurpurea”)

Purplish-red becoming green in late summer, deeply lobed. Red fall color. Insignificant small reddish-purple flowers in May-June. Deciduous. Keep outdoors. Available 12 months a year. Will have no foliage during winter months.
List Price:
Price: 69.95

Japanese Black Pine Bonsai Tree – Pre Bonsai (pinus thunbergii)

Stiff dark green needles (3″-5″ long) occur in pairs. Large, grayish-white terminal buds help distinguish it from other pines. Much sought after in bonsai and takes many years to achieve the look of a superior specimen bonsai. Hardy. Likes sun. Keep outdoors.
List Price:
Price: 29.95

 

 

 

Flowering White Serissa Bonsai Tree Bonsai Tree of a Thousand Stars – Three Tree Forest Group (serissa japonica)

Tree of a Thousand Stars. The Japonica has somewhat elongated spoon shaped shiny green leaves. It is a twiggy tree that grows tighter with shearing. This northern Chinese Serissa has small white trumpet shaped blossoms. We grow three to a pot to give the appearance of a grove or forest scene.
List Price:
Price: 39.95

There are, however, some drawbacks to growing Bonsai trees from seeds. First of all, the entire process requires a great deal of patience because it can be really slow. It can take several months for the seeds to germinate and some species even take several seasons. Secondly, there are species that require strictly exact conditions in order to flourish. These conditions can involve specific periods of cold, wet weather, or mild temperatures that will facilitate the germination process.

Many Bonsai enthusiasts, however, do not mind going through all these hassles in growing and cultivating from seed. That is because the entire experience of planting and then watching Bonsai seeds grow into a beautifully mature specimens is something that every serious enthusiast surely appreciates and holds dear.