Seeds?

[k4nnon]

Hey everyone does anyone have any extra bonsai seeds that they would be willing to sell or get rid of? Iv tried to grow bonsai from seeds purchased online over the years and haven’t had much success. I figure before I purchase again maybe ask if anyone on a decent forum would be willing to get rid of extra seeds. Please let me know Thankyou.

 

[vesper818]

See your pm

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Do you know what kind of seeds you are looking for? What kinds of trees you would like to grow?

 

[bonsaichile]

Just to clarify: there is no such thing as "bonsai" seeds. Bonsai trees are the result of a careful application of very precise horticultural techniques. There is nothing on the tree's DNA that says "bonsai." As such, a bonsai tree planted in the ground would just grow like a normal plant leave to its own devices. What you are buying as "bonsai seeds" are just regular tree seeds. They will only produce bonsai trees if you grow them as bonsai, that is, applying those very precise horticultural techniques (root prunning, small pots, etc) known to train a tree as a bonsai. Best of lucks!

 

[Shibui]

Just to clarify: there is no such thing as "bonsai" seeds. Bonsai trees are the result of a careful application of very precise horticultural techniques. There is nothing on the tree's DNA that says "bonsai." As such, a bonsai tree planted in the ground would just grow like a normal plant leave to its own devices. What you are buying as "bonsai seeds" are just regular tree seeds. They will only produce bonsai trees if you grow them as bonsai, that is, applying those very precise horticultural techniques (root prunning, small pots, etc) known to train a tree as a bonsai. Best of lucks!

Definitely agree with all of this. As a result, collecting seeds from trees in your area is a great way to gets started when trying to grow bonsai from seed. fresh seed is almost always easier to get started.

@k4nnon. As it appears you may be a beginner at bonsai it may interest you to know that while bonsai can be started from seed, that's a very long, slow process. Starting out with selected nursery stock will shave 3-5 years off the timeline. Layering selected branches from garden plants can also give much more advanced stock to work with. Starting with trees that can be transplanted from gardens, vacant land, roadsides, etc can often yield a far more mature bonsai in less time.
Growing bonsai from seed can be rewarding but I recommend looking at alternative ways to get started alongside your seed germination program.

 

[k4nnon]

I appreciate the message, maybe my wording should have been in request of seeds belonging to typical species mostly used for creating bonsai. I’m not trying to go out in my yard and grow the local pine as a bonsai. I also appreciate the information as far as starting from seed. I am aware of this and the discipline interests me.

 

[KWag]

As mentioned by others there are lots of trees and shrubs that can be successfully trained as bonsai.
To improve sprouting, tree and shrub seeds must be fresh and should be pretreated by following stratification procedures before planting. You can research the proper preparation needs of each variety of seeds you are planting.

I have purchased small packets of fresh tree seeds from an on line seller with a huge selection of seeds. He is found at www.TreeSeedMan.com and on EBay.

 

[k4nnon]

Thankyou for then replies. All this has helped.

 

[Wulfskaar]

I started my bonsai journey with a seed kit. You can get them fairly cheap, like maybe $22+ on Amazon. They usually have a variety of 4 or 5 species.

I still have about 20 trees I grew from that kit in 2020.

Otherwise, you certainly can get seeds from the yard, typically in fall. I've gone on walks at arboretums and picked up seeds, as well as from work and other places.

Now would be a good time to get seeds, since some need to chill in the fridge for a month or two. Sow them in early spring and enjoy the ride after that.

 

[PA_Penjing]

Hey @k4nnon I'm also 36 years old and from PA. funny coincidence. It's a little late for collecting seeds, usually that's fall for many species, or spring. That being said, I can know where I can pick some chinese elm seeds yet, And I may have a young tree or two I could just give you. You pay shipping of course. Unless you live near bethlehem

 

[milehigh_7]

Great seed resource:
Sheffield's Seed Company
One great thing is they provide germination guide

Interesting company and uncommon seeds:
J. L. Hudson, Seedsman

 

[minkes]

You don’t need to buy anything. Just look for seeds when you go for a walk. Look for seeds from trees with small leaves – they are the most suitable for future bonsai. You can also look for small 1–2-year-old saplings growing around. The best trees for your climate are the ones you see growing outside your window.

 

[k4nnon]

Hey @k4nnon I'm also 36 years old and from PA. funny coincidence. It's a little late for collecting seeds, usually that's fall for many species, or spring. That being said, I can know where I can pick some chinese elm seeds yet, And I may have a young tree or two I could just give you. You pay shipping of course. Unless you live near bethlehem

Hey Thankyou for the message. I’m not sure what the distance is to Bethlehem but I’m Harrisburg area. Give me more information about what you have. Thanks again for the message.

 

[milehigh_7]

+1 to @minkes on collecting locally: Here are some of my recent hauls:

The first image is Texas Ebony (Ebenopsis ebano) pods at least 200 seed maybe more..., The second I got at the local Mexican market produce section to try they are Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) we'll see if they are viable, the third is a bag of sweet acacia (Vachellia farnesiana) more difficult to germinate but I have some ideas, finally desert ironwood seeds (Olneya tesota) (super easy)

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[ihihbs]

I’ve mostly collected seeds on walks (mostly in the fall), saved from store bought fruit, or started with seedlings growing in my yard. I’d mostly like to stick to native fruiting trees/shrubs since they should be better adapted to grow here. Anyhow, I look forward to learning a lot more as I’m just getting started. My oldest tree grown from seed (pomegranate) is only from ‘23 and has fortunately survived despite its start as an indoor tree for a year.

 

[milehigh_7]

I’ve mostly collected seeds on walks (mostly in the fall), saved from store bought fruit, or started with seedlings growing in my yard. I’d mostly like to stick to native fruiting trees/shrubs since they should be better adapted to grow here. Anyhow, I look forward to learning a lot more as I’m just getting started. My oldest tree grown from seed (pomegranate) is only from ‘23 and has fortunately survived despite its start as an indoor tree for a year.

Just to be aware Pomes are notorious for not coming true to seed. The only way to keep the variety is cuttings or layers.