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SOWING SEED, SOIL MIXES AND GERMINATION TEMPERATURES
Seed that has been artificially stratified or seed that is being
sown outside in Autumn is best planted into a seed tray or a pot
where watering and placement can be controlled more easily than
if planted straight into the ground. Use a fast draining mix of
organic soil, a 1:1 mix of multi-purpose compost and sand is ideal
though their are also many ready-mixed seed composts available
at garden centres.
Fill the seed container 1/2 to 2/3 full of compost, press it down
lightly then distribute the seed evenly across the surface. Next,
cover the seed with another layer of seed compost 2-3 times the
thickness of the seed. Finally, cover the surface of the compost
with a very thin layer of grit or sharp sand to keep the seed
weighted down. Keep the compost moist at all times but never soaking
wet; water very gently to avoid disturbing the soil surface and
the seed.
The seed tray can either be placed outside to germinate naturally,
or for seeds that are being germinated out of season or in unfavourable
climates, the seed tray can be placed indoors or in a greenhouse
on a window-sill that receives only a little direct sunlight.
For germination, most seeds need temperatures of between 10-15°C.
Seeds from subtropical climates need temperatures between 13-18°C
and seeds from tropical species require temperatures between 19-24°C.
AFTER GERMINATION
At first the seedlings will display two small immature leaves
called cotyledons, these will nurture the seedling until it produces
its first 'true' leaves at which point the seedlings can be pricked
out and planted into individual pots still using a seed compost.
The compost should be kept damp at all times but never allow to
become too sodden as this can result in loss of the seedlings.
Do not start to feed the seedlings until 5 or 6 weeks after pricking
out and fertilise very gently as the immature root system will
burn very easily.
As the seedlings continue to grow into saplings they can continue
to be potted on until they are large enough to be grown in the
ground or used immediately for bonsai training.
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Growing Bonsai From Seed Guest article by Xavier De Lapeyre