Question about seeds...

I am looking into buying some bonsai seeds so that I can grow about 5 or 6 trees. I was wondering with the seeds that I have left over can i store them in the icebox so that if at a latter time I want to plant more I can? Or will freezing them make them not germinate? Also how is the germination rate for bonsai trees?

HI there HC,
Given that it is possible to "bonsai" virtually any plant which has a woody stem and which responds well to tip pruning; from a lowly sage bush to a giant oak or conifer, the storage potential of the seeds will depend entirely upon what type of plants the seeds come from. There is nothing "special" about so-called "bonsai seeds" they are exactly the same as any other seeds. OK, usually the producers of these things will pick out plant species which are commonly used for bonsai - frequently one or more species of small leaved conifers but the sales hype that so many of these people indulge in annoys me. I feel that their advertising and the claims that they make often verge upon false advertising - it is time and attention to detail that makes a bonsai. Check out the other posts on this forum and see what kinds of plants you like then the members will be able to advise you where to get seeds for the plants you want to grow,

All the Best,

Kaelkitty.

I have decided to start out with Japanese green maple (Acer palmatum) and Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila). I have been reading all the information about this plants that I can but I can not find out the one information that I want to know; what is the germination rate on this two?
About how many seeds does one need to try to germinate to get about 5 of each plant?

Germination rate has a lot to do with the freshness of the seed as well as how you handle it. Purchase from a reputable dealer or collect it yourself. You might try germination of seed from street plantings or garden trees that you know do well in your area.

In my area the winged elm and the red fruited swamp maple are forming seed. I will be collecting seed from both in a few weeks. I will just scratch the elm seed into the soil. They are very easy to germinate when fresh. I will likely do the same with the maple seed.

You might try posting on the winter sowing forum to see if any one has experience with these plants. You might also look into purchasing a 'bundle' of bare root seedlings from one of the bonsai growers.

A final thought , check and see if your city has an urban forestry department associated with your parks or gardens. Generally the horticulturists are very helpful.

Beth