Growing Bonsai from Seed

Seeds of trees “suitable for bonsai" is much better terminology.

Our small trees in pots are started with many different kinds of plants. and in many different ways. “Bonsai tree seeds” are perhaps the slowest way to get started.

The Truth About Bonsai Tree Seeds

Some of the trees we use for bonsai are not common in all zones. Many seeds that may grow in one area may not grow in another.

Online sources specialize in plant seeds that will eventually make a bonsai.

If you are looking for rare seeds, they may be a little more costly. Shop around, ask questions about what will grow where you live and select a reliable source. (Or experiment with tree seeds from where you live.)

Remember, being in a pretty package, changes nothing. There is no special affect on the plant.

Pictures on seed packages are often of fabulous old bonsai trees. It is not what your seedling will look like without many, many years of study, planning, shaping and maintenance. (And - it may not happen in your lifetime.)

Nevertheless, growing bonsai from seed can be fun and rewarding.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The big disadvantage is the amount of time it takes to establish a mature bonsai from seed. Timing will, also, depend upon the species. Some plants are much slower than others.

The main advantage is you can manage the shape of your tree from the very beginning.

(It’s a good idea to have other bonsai trees in progress, while you wait, work and watch the seedlings grow.)

A Fun Bonsai Project

There are many plants that grow quickly from seed. Begin with a plant that will eventually meet the desirable attributes of a good bonsai -- small leaves, proportionate flowers and a woody trunk. The tropical Acacia farnesiana is one such plant.

The planting of this 'forest' began as a scattering of seeds in a long aluminum foil tray. In the beginning, the seedlings were allowed to grow tall to help develop the trunks. Eventually the small trees were cut in half! Any trees that were too close together or grew crooked were removed.

This is not the traditional method of creating a grouping. It could, however, be a fun way to encourage a young person's desire of growing bonsai from seed and at the same time fulfilling their need for instant gratification.

To think a handful of “bonsai seeds” can become a forest is a pretty exciting concept!

Another bonsai grown from seed can be seen on the Tropical Mimosa page.

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