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Seed Dormancy
White Lily
Posts: 1
in Plants
Any advice please. I have recently been given some seeds in order to grow my first ever bonsai trees. I have never grown these from seed before and now find myself having to pre treat seeds for germination to occur. I was given four types of seed:
- Robinia pseudoacacia - false acacia
- Cytissus scoparius - common broom
- Juniperus communis - common juniper
- Paulownia tomentosa - princess tree
What would be the best time to start the pre treatment methods and what pre treatment method is best for these seeds. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
0
Posts
you may need to check this out online as some trees have double dormancy - that is they need to periods of chilling to start into growth. I'm rather gung ho about tree seeds - pot them up, top with grit and leave outside to get frosted over the winter (so now would be a good time). I have had much success over the years by planting collected tree seed when it is fresh, when it often germinates quickly. But if it doesn't leaving it outside over winter usually does the trick.
You can speed up the process with dry seed by soaking in warm water for a few hours and then putting your planted pot in the fridge to simulate winter. It will depend on tree type however, so I reckon a bit of googling should get you a proper answer.
The 2 peas might like a scarify and soak but I haven't grown either of these 2 and am only comparing with others of the same family
Paulownia won't need a chill but won't want to be buried deeply as it needs light to germinate.
Juniper is one that has deep dormancy. Ideally you would have sown that fresh while weather was still warm, then left it out for a chill. I'd sow it now and leave it outside and just wait
In the sticks near Peterborough
Growing trees from seed can be fun and a challenge but you won't have anything that can call itself a bonsai tree for at least 5 to 10 years. If you are really interested in growing bonsai, send me a PM and I will recommend a very good bonsai forum that will give you good advice about getting started in bonsai addiction