Bonsai from Seeds

Bonsai does not have to be expensive an expensive hobby. Bonsai trees can be grown from seeds and with a considerable amount of patience and effort, you could be the owner of a prize-winning bonsai that you started from scratch. Now what could be more rewarding than that?

This method not only provides a cheap solution to aquiring your very own bonsai but also the knowledge and satisfaction of knowing that you grew your bonsai from scratch. Starting a bonsai from a seedling is no simple task, after all true beauty and authenticity is never easily achieved. Bonsai is an art form that requires much patience and many, many years of hard work. Some people lack the time and interest to take up bonsai seriously, although I do stress that the reward far exceeds the effort.

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• The first step in raising a bonsai from a seedling is to pick a species that is well suited to the environment you intend to raise it in. Treat it as you would any other living thing, you must nurture and care for it.
• Float the seeds in a tub of water overnight. I have read that the seeds that sink are more likely to survive than the seeds that float. So throw all the floating seeds away. Hopefully this will increase your success rate. 
• Be prepared for failure. Not all your seeds will grow, but always keep in mind that the few that survive might eventually become those incredible prize-winner bonsai.
• Plant the seeds into a growing container- one of those plastic flower containers from the nurseries tend to work well and sprinkle a layer of fertiliser over the top of the planting. 
• Give the seedlings a good watering. You should always keep them moist as drying out could be devastating to the delicate seedlings.  

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Something to remember is that the success of your seedlings will be relative to the effort and time you put into taking care of them. Do not expect to see results immediately as this is a long process. Always remember that there is nothing stopping you from purchasing a bonsai-in-progress or a finished bonsai in the meantime to keep you inspired.