The art of bonsai has captivated gardening and nature lovers for centuries. Watching a tree grow from a seed and molding it into a true work of living art is an experience that requires patience, dedication and a good dose of knowledgeAlthough many people choose to purchase pre-formed bonsai, starting from scratch has a special appeal: it allows you to participate in every stage of development and tailor it exactly to your preferences.
Despite the widespread idea that there are "bonsai seeds", the reality is that Bonsai is created from the seeds of normal treesWhat defines a bonsai is not the seed, but the technique and care with which it is cultivated, pruned, and shaped to grow.
Where do bonsai seeds come from?
First of all, it is essential to understand that Any tree or shrub can be grown as a bonsai. Therefore, you can obtain seeds in different ways:
- Collection in the wild: If you have access to parks, forests, or gardens, you can collect seeds directly from trees during the fall. Species such as chestnuts and oaks offer easily recognizable fruits, and in the case of conifers such as pines, seeds can be extracted from cones once they open in a warm place.
- Buy from specialized stores: There are physical and online stores that offer a wide variety of seeds from different species, both native and exotic. However, be wary of products labeled "bonsai seeds": they are simply ordinary seeds, but with a higher price due to the name.
The key is to choose a species that is well adapted to your local climate. and, if you are a beginner, opt for fast-growing and easy-growing trees or shrubs.
Ideal time to plant a bonsai
The success of planting a bonsai depends, to a large extent, on the time of year in which you plantThis varies according to the species and its natural rhythm:
- Deciduous and coniferous trees: It's best to plant seeds in the fall. This way, the seeds will spend the winter dormant and germinate vigorously when spring arrives, replicating the natural cycle.
- Evergreen trees: Sowing is recommended in late winter or early spring, when there is no longer a risk of frost and the plant can develop without problems.
In both cases, Avoiding frost and temperature extremes is crucial for the success of the process. Likewise, some species require a pre-planting treatment known as stratification.
Stratification: Is it necessary to refrigerate seeds?
Many tree seeds, especially those of forest and coniferous species, require a period of cold, humid conditions before germinating. This process, called stratification, simulates the passage of winter and encourages the breaking of dormancy so that the seed germinates in spring.
To stratify seeds:
- Place the seeds in a container with peat or slightly damp sand.
- Keep them in the refrigerator (between 2ºC and 5ºC) for the time indicated for each species (normally between 4 and 12 weeks).
- Review them regularly to prevent mold and make sure the substrate does not dry out.
If you plant in the fall, you can skip stratification, as the natural cycle already includes that cold period. For beginners, It is easier to choose species adapted to your area and sow them directly in the fall..
Preparation of the substrate and the seedbed
The substrate is another fundamental element for the germination and vigorous growth of your future bonsai. The ideal mix depends on the type of tree that you are going to plant, but in general terms we can recommend:
- An mixture of 70% Akadama and 30% volcanic stone It offers a good balance between drainage, aeration and water retention, very suitable for most species.
- You can also prepare a homemade mix made from sifted moss, compost (or garden soil), and coarse sand in equal parts.
- In case of doubt and for less demanding species, cactus soil can give good results in the initial stage, as it promotes drainage and reduces the risk of rot.
The initial container can be a seed tray, small pot or any tray with drainage holes.Fill the container to a depth of about 2 cm and ensure that the water can drain freely after watering.
Sowing seeds: depth and quantity
The way you place and cover your seeds will have a direct impact on the germination rate and quality of the resulting seedlings. Here are some essential tips:
- Place the seeds on the surface of the substrate, distributing them evenly.
- Cover with a layer of substrate whose thickness is approximately twice the size of the seedFor example, for 4 mm seeds, you should cover with 8 mm of soil.
- Avoid excessive crushing or compacting of the soil. after covering the seeds, so as not to hinder the emergence of young shoots.
For many species, it is advisable to sow several seeds per pot or tray, as not all of them will germinate. Find out the germination rate of the chosen species and distributes the seeds according to that data.
Correct watering for germination
Watering is key during germination. Too much water can rot the seeds and too little can dehydrate them.. Follow these recommendations:
- Waters in the form of dew or a light rain to keep the seeds from dislodging. You can help by covering the spray with your hand or using a spray bottle.
- Leave the container on a tray of water for 12-24 hours to allow the substrate to moisten by capillary action, but remove it afterwards to avoid excess moisture.
- Always keep the substrate slightly moist., never waterlogged. Generally, watering 3 times a week is sufficient; once the seeds germinate, reduce this to 2 times.
Care and development of the first shoots
Once the seedlings emerge, a crucial stage begins. Do not perform any drastic interventions during the first growth cycle.; allows the plants to develop strong roots and leaves. At this stage, the new shoot feeds on the seed's reserves until it can photosynthesize on its own.
When the seedlings are approximately one year old, it will be time to transplant them to individual pots and perform the first intervention on the roots.
Transplanting and root pruning: the basis of a good bonsai
The long-term success of a bonsai depends on good root development. During the first transplant you will need to prune the taproot. that the plant has developed naturally. This root only serves in nature to anchor the tree to the ground, but in bonsai, it's important to foster a strong root ball of fine (secondary) roots, which allow for efficient nutrition.
When transplanting:
- Carefully remove the plant and remove loose soil with toothpicks, without damaging the roots..
- Identify the main or tap root and cut it so that enough fine roots remain to ensure the tree's survival. If you see few secondary roots, also trim some of the foliage to compensate for the loss of roots.
- Plant in a larger pot if necessary, and use fresh, well-drained substrate.
Repeat this process every year if necessary, until you have a compact root ball with fine roots. When this happens, the tree will be ready to move to its final bonsai pot.
How to shape your bonsai: first steps
When the tree has a good root system and begins to develop vigorously, the most creative moment arrives: the formation and design of bonsaiThese are the first techniques you can apply:
- Pruning dead branches and leavesUse clean, sharp scissors to remove dry or diseased areas. This cleaning allows light and air to enter the canopy.
- Formation pruningTo achieve the typical compact bonsai appearance, trim the top and any branches that don't conform to the desired shape. Don't remove more than a third of the foliage at a time to avoid weakening the tree.
- WiringUse thick, coated wire (preferably copper or aluminum) to wrap the trunk and main branches. Do this at a 45-degree angle and be very careful to avoid damaging the bark. Gradually bend the trunk and branches to give them the desired shape.
- Choose the main front of the bonsai: Observe from which angle the tree looks most attractive (combining the harmony between roots, branches and trunk) and decide which will be the display front.
Remember that modeling is a gradual process. Each year you can refine the shape, alternating pruning, transplanting and wiring. as the tree evolves.
Maintenance and longevity of bonsai
A healthy, well-cared-for bonsai can live for several decades. The key is maintaining a balance between the tree's size, the number of roots, and the substrate's ability to retain water and nutrients.
Some maintenance recommendations:
- Water regularly, adapting the frequency according to the species, the season of the year and the climate.
- Fertilize the substrate in the period of greatest growth, but without excesses.
- Protects bonsai from pests and diseases through periodic reviews and use phytosanitary products only if necessary.
- Place it in a place with the right amount of light and make sure protect it from intense frost or extreme heat.
The entire process, from planting to a minimally formed bonsai, can take several years (usually between 3 and 7 years depending on the species and care), but the satisfaction of watching its growth from the beginning is incomparable.
Planting a bonsai from seed is a demanding but very rewarding process.Complete control over training, the ability to choose the species, and the connection that develops with the tree throughout its development make this a true journey of dedication and creativity. If you follow the right steps and are patient, you'll see your efforts bear fruit and you can enjoy a unique bonsai, shaped by you from day one.