How to Plant Bonsai Tree Seeds
with
Debbie Anderson
Bonsai trees are lovely around the home or in small outdoor gardens. Want to grow one of your own? Watch how to plant bonsai tree seeds.
Transcript: How to Plant Bonsai Tree Seeds
Hi, I'm Debbie Anderson for About.com Home. Bonsai trees have a great history to them. Although most people think a bonsai tree is a specific type of tree, in all reality, the word "bonsai" quite literally means "tree in a pot."Supplies Needed to Plant Bonsai Tree Seeds
To plant a bonsai tree from seeds, you will need:- bonsai tree seeds
- a peat pellet
- paper towels
- a sealable plastic bag
- a small pellet tray
- a bonsai pot
- bonsai soil
- a larger tray
- water
Germinate the Bonsai Tree Seeds
To get started, the seeds need to germinate before potting the seeds. This process generally takes nine days.Day 1: To germinate the seeds, place your seeds in the small pellet tray and allow the seeds to soak for 24 hours.
Day 2- 8: Place the seeds in a damp paper towel, and seal the paper towel with seeds in a sealed plastic bag. Place the plastic bag in the refrigerator for seven days so the seeds can cold stratify.
Day 9: Remove the seeds from the refrigerator.
Prepare the Peat Pallet
To prepare the peat pallet for the seeds, place the peat pallet in the small pellet tray and slowly pour warm water over the pellet. Once the pellet has expanded to approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, drain the excess water from the tray.Place Bonsai Tree Seeds in the Peat Pellet
Spread out and press two seeds down into the peat pellet. Place the peat pellet in the bonsai pot, and fill the rest of the pot with soil.Place the bonsai pot in a larger tray that is filled with about 1/4 inch of water.
Keep the Soil Moist
Finally, set the tray with the bonsai in a north- or west-facing window until the seeds sprout. Over the next few weeks, remember to keep the soil moist while the plants grow.After the seeds grow through the soil, remove the weakest or shortest seed from the pot so the other seed can continue to grow alone. And there you have it--a new little bonsai tree in the making.
Thank you for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at homegarden.about.com.