Hi Jelle, I've been doing the "throw them in a pot and leave them to nature" approach for 2 years now and it seems to work ok. I'm not getting huge yields though. In Nov 2021, I planted 50 seeds and only 10 sprouted. From those 10, only 5 have made it through the first year. I'm Nov 2022, I planted 150 seeds and I wait eagerly to see what results I get. This time I'm trying 5 different species! It's quite exciting.
Foist 👍 When trying stratification in a fridge or freezer I have only ever succeeded in getting rotten, moldy seeds. I always prefer to simply sow and leave outside over winter to replicate what would happen in nature.
Same here Jelle, I feel the natural changes in temperature that winter brings help with the stratification process. Only problem with this method is if you have a warm winter as we sometimes get in Britain.
Thank you, Jelle. Another great informative video. I've been collecting JMs seeds from a Japanese garden nearby for the past couple years and eventually give them away after a year to my club members. This year surprisingly none of JMs near me had any seeds on, not a single one. Wondering what could cause that..!!
Hi Jelle, Thank you for another quality video. I have learnt so much from watching your videos, and always look forward to a new one. The timing for this is perfect as I have some seeds on order and some ready to sow. I’m trying some Black Pine and Trident Maple. Also waiting for some Pomegranate seeds in the post. Good luck to you 👍🏼
Very informative but I doubt I have the patience to go through all that Jelle! Lots of valid points made - especially about buying 'starter bonsai kits'. I love that Black Pine by the way. I need to go and put those maple seeds in water first...glad i watched this. What was the second variety you sent me...I think it had AP on the bag? Cheers Xav
Nice video! Ive got some beech seeds in the fridge that I'll plant soon and some maple seeds chilling in the greenhouse that got to minus 9 so pretty sure they'll be stratified by now!! Also some oaks too! I'm also trying some juniper cuttings in a heated propagator but not sure how that will work out, I cut them back in September but no roots yet so seeing how it goes with heat!!
@@GrowingBonsai I was watching and older Bonsaify vid and he mentioned he uses bottom heat for junipers. It reminded me that I had the propagator in the shed so figured it can't hurt! I'm really hoping it works as I want to try Hinoki Cypress (Nana Gracilis and Pigmea) too as it's my favourite to work on but finding good material is nearly impossible!
Great information! I tend to collect my own seeds. Hit or miss if they sprout. I had some wintering in my trailer, unfortunately mice got in there and chewed through the containers and got all the seeds. Grrrr... I am looking for seed or tree bundles. Specifically Giant Sequoia. Every site I look, the reviews are awful. The seeds don't appear to be what they ordered, zero germinated. Some sites call the normal redwood and Giant Sequoia the same thing. Use the same latin name for what I know as three different types of tree. How do you know what to trust? Not just for these seeds, for all similar seeds, Maple types, Spruce types etc. I have not had success with maples yet. With some trial and error, I now have 100% success with apples... Keeping them alive after that is a different story LOL😕 I'm afraid to purchase online because I am not sure how to ensure I get the correct seeds.
I usually go by online reviews, and listening to other people that have been successfull. I ave this year used a new seed supplier, as my previes go-to is in the UK which has stopped exporting.
I have my Stewartia pseudocamellia, heritage apple varietal, and Chinese fringe tree seeds stratifying in my fridge as we speak, so here's hoping they come out well (especially the Stewartia, since those naturally germinate 2 years after seed fall). Speaking of which, that's another place to possibly get seeds: if you have an arboretum near you, check to see if they have any trees you'd like seeds from. Sometimes they provide them to the public, but sometimes you can go and gather seeds and fruit *off the ground* in the autumn. This will ensure your seed is from parent plants hardy to your area. (Most places won't let you pick directly from the tree, and I absolutely have never done this. Nope. Never.)
I have been known to walk around in arboretums too. And often if you ask the ground keepers, you might be allowed to collect seedlings in unwanted spots
End of March update: apple seedlings are taking off, fringe tree seeds seem to be a bust, and I'm confused by the stewartia seeds. Some seem to have radicle development, but they've stopped just after breaking through the seed coat, all at the same time. I'm wondering if I need to bounce them back and forth between warm and cold stratification one more time after all.
@@abydosianchulac2 Once you get germination, it should not be required. Soe species are just irregular in their germination. I keep finding seedlings of trident and japanese maple in my recycled substrate, from seed that did not germinate a year previous.
I cannot, as I have no clue. It is a 2 decade old, waxed wintercoat which I think I got an an army-surplus store. Now full of holes and my go-to winter garden jacket.
Hello Jelle, thank you for your amazing videos! At 1:37 you are speaking about a tree seed dealer, can you please share the link? I'm not able to find a good one in Italy... Many thanks, and keep going!
Hi, this is a bit of a challenge, with the UK falling out of the EU. It is where I used to get seeds very reliably. Check out rare and exotic treeseeds
Hallo Jelle, Ich ziehe die japanischen Ahorne so auf: Ein Gefrierbeutel mit Verschluss fülle ich mit feuchtem Seramis, dann eine Hand voll Samen rein, zumachen und über Winter in die unbeheizte Garage. Wenns wärmer wird, immer mal in die Tüte schauen. Sobald die Samen in der Tüte aufgehen, setze ich sie in Erde bzw. Substrat. Die Quote ist sehr hoch.
I could but then.. I think this time I tried rareexoticseeds. I used to buy from a compagny in the UK, but the do not export anymore. So this website is a new trial for me.
wish i saw this weeks ago, for context: a while ago while i was buying stuff like tomatoes and lettuce for my pods i came across a crabapple bonsai kit i thought “why not, looks like fun!” so i bought it and it said to yes germinate them so i did as they said (put seeds in water for 1-2 days then transfer to the fridge in a plastic bag and wait 5-10 weeks while “burping” the bag every week) now i’m waiting and i hope i haven’t messed up all my seeds, but alas only time will tell
Hi Jelle, I've been doing the "throw them in a pot and leave them to nature" approach for 2 years now and it seems to work ok. I'm not getting huge yields though. In Nov 2021, I planted 50 seeds and only 10 sprouted. From those 10, only 5 have made it through the first year.
I'm Nov 2022, I planted 150 seeds and I wait eagerly to see what results I get. This time I'm trying 5 different species! It's quite exciting.
It is right! The excitement to see what germinates!
Foist 👍
When trying stratification in a fridge or freezer I have only ever succeeded in getting rotten, moldy seeds. I always prefer to simply sow and leave outside over winter to replicate what would happen in nature.
Spray water:hydrogen peroxide 10:1 ratio before sticking them in the fridge! That should help with the mold issue!
Haven't tried it myself, but Cinnamon and Baking powder reduce the build up of mold.
yeah, I prefer the outdoors too
Same here Jelle, I feel the natural changes in temperature that winter brings help with the stratification process. Only problem with this method is if you have a warm winter as we sometimes get in Britain.
Great channel 👏 I'm currently trying my first ever bonsai and its a Wisteria tree.
Fantastic information - I just ordered 4 different types of seeds from a reputable bonsai vendor in Canada. You have inspired me!
GREAT to hear. I am looking forweard to hearing how your sowing turns out!
I love your sense of humor!
Great to hear. I guess you need to tell my wife I do have one! ;)
Thank you for the info. I live in the United States and am trying to grow many of our native trees from seed for bonsai.
It is so much fun to see them go from seed to weak seedling and then in year 2-3 pop with energy shooting for the stars!
I’ve got hundreds of seeds around the garden in trays and in the fridge in ziplock bags. Hopefully 🙏 a good year.
THat sounds like (tens of) thousands seedlings!
Thank you, Jelle. Another great informative video. I've been collecting JMs seeds from a Japanese garden nearby for the past couple years and eventually give them away after a year to my club members. This year surprisingly none of JMs near me had any seeds on, not a single one. Wondering what could cause that..!!
Has it been very dry perhaps?
Great information Jelle. Thank you for sharing!!
My pleasure! Glad you liked it!
What a fantastic video Jelle thanks for the advice 😀...
You're so welcome!
Hi Jelle,
Thank you for another quality video. I have learnt so much from watching your videos, and always look forward to a new one. The timing for this is perfect as I have some seeds on order and some ready to sow. I’m trying some Black Pine and Trident Maple. Also waiting for some Pomegranate seeds in the post. Good luck to you 👍🏼
Excellent to hear! So happy to hear when people get something out of these videos!
I wish I knew this 3 years ago. Again great information Jelle 👍
Never too late to have a re-go at it?
Good and clear explanation like always. Sow😂 happy I stumbled on your channel! Thanks and keep growing!
Glad to hear this! Happy you get something out of the channel!
Very informative but I doubt I have the patience to go through all that Jelle! Lots of valid points made - especially about buying 'starter bonsai kits'. I love that Black Pine by the way. I need to go and put those maple seeds in water first...glad i watched this. What was the second variety you sent me...I think it had AP on the bag? Cheers Xav
trident maple / japanese black pine :)
@@GrowingBonsai So do i warm the black pine seeds or can I just plant the outside in a tray now? The temps are going back down to 1 or 2C overnight.
Dont worry - I just rewatched the video where you tell me the answers. Cheers, Xav :)
Nice video! Ive got some beech seeds in the fridge that I'll plant soon and some maple seeds chilling in the greenhouse that got to minus 9 so pretty sure they'll be stratified by now!! Also some oaks too!
I'm also trying some juniper cuttings in a heated propagator but not sure how that will work out, I cut them back in September but no roots yet so seeing how it goes with heat!!
Exciting times!
I am curious to learn your cuttings outcome. I always just plant them up leave them outside and in spring hope for roots!
@@GrowingBonsai I was watching and older Bonsaify vid and he mentioned he uses bottom heat for junipers. It reminded me that I had the propagator in the shed so figured it can't hurt! I'm really hoping it works as I want to try Hinoki Cypress (Nana Gracilis and Pigmea) too as it's my favourite to work on but finding good material is nearly impossible!
Great information! I tend to collect my own seeds. Hit or miss if they sprout. I had some wintering in my trailer, unfortunately mice got in there and chewed through the containers and got all the seeds. Grrrr... I am looking for seed or tree bundles. Specifically Giant Sequoia. Every site I look, the reviews are awful. The seeds don't appear to be what they ordered, zero germinated. Some sites call the normal redwood and Giant Sequoia the same thing. Use the same latin name for what I know as three different types of tree. How do you know what to trust? Not just for these seeds, for all similar seeds, Maple types, Spruce types etc. I have not had success with maples yet. With some trial and error, I now have 100% success with apples... Keeping them alive after that is a different story LOL😕 I'm afraid to purchase online because I am not sure how to ensure I get the correct seeds.
I usually go by online reviews, and listening to other people that have been successfull. I ave this year used a new seed supplier, as my previes go-to is in the UK which has stopped exporting.
@@GrowingBonsai Thank you!
I have my Stewartia pseudocamellia, heritage apple varietal, and Chinese fringe tree seeds stratifying in my fridge as we speak, so here's hoping they come out well (especially the Stewartia, since those naturally germinate 2 years after seed fall). Speaking of which, that's another place to possibly get seeds: if you have an arboretum near you, check to see if they have any trees you'd like seeds from. Sometimes they provide them to the public, but sometimes you can go and gather seeds and fruit *off the ground* in the autumn. This will ensure your seed is from parent plants hardy to your area. (Most places won't let you pick directly from the tree, and I absolutely have never done this. Nope. Never.)
I have been known to walk around in arboretums too. And often if you ask the ground keepers, you might be allowed to collect seedlings in unwanted spots
End of March update: apple seedlings are taking off, fringe tree seeds seem to be a bust, and I'm confused by the stewartia seeds. Some seem to have radicle development, but they've stopped just after breaking through the seed coat, all at the same time. I'm wondering if I need to bounce them back and forth between warm and cold stratification one more time after all.
@@abydosianchulac2 Once you get germination, it should not be required. Soe species are just irregular in their germination. I keep finding seedlings of trident and japanese maple in my recycled substrate, from seed that did not germinate a year previous.
Having trouble finding a reliable site to buy seeds. Where do you get yours?
That's a pretty cool jacket you're wearing .....can you share what brand/model it is ?
I cannot, as I have no clue. It is a 2 decade old, waxed wintercoat which I think I got an an army-surplus store. Now full of holes and my go-to winter garden jacket.
Hello Jelle, thank you for your amazing videos! At 1:37 you are speaking about a tree seed dealer, can you please share the link? I'm not able to find a good one in Italy... Many thanks, and keep going!
Hi, this is a bit of a challenge, with the UK falling out of the EU. It is where I used to get seeds very reliably. Check out rare and exotic treeseeds
@@GrowingBonsai I found a polish one: look for arboseed, i just placed an order, i'll let you know. Thank you!
@@g.i.t.i. Good luck!
Nice video Jelle
👍👍
Thank you!
Hallo Jelle,
Ich ziehe die japanischen Ahorne so auf: Ein Gefrierbeutel mit Verschluss fülle ich mit feuchtem Seramis, dann eine Hand voll Samen rein, zumachen und über Winter in die unbeheizte Garage. Wenns wärmer wird, immer mal in die Tüte schauen. Sobald die Samen in der Tüte aufgehen, setze ich sie in Erde bzw. Substrat. Die Quote ist sehr hoch.
Gute tip!
Hi Jelle,
is there a chance, that you can tell us, where you have bought your seeds? 😀😛
I could but then.. I think this time I tried rareexoticseeds. I used to buy from a compagny in the UK, but the do not export anymore. So this website is a new trial for me.
What is the website that you are using in this video?
Something like rare and exotic seeds!
I need to know were buy the seeds. Someone know a responsable online shop that sheep word wide?
Not sure tbh
wish i saw this weeks ago, for context: a while ago while i was buying stuff like tomatoes and lettuce for my pods i came across a crabapple bonsai kit i thought “why not, looks like fun!” so i bought it and it said to yes germinate them so i did as they said (put seeds in water for 1-2 days then transfer to the fridge in a plastic bag and wait 5-10 weeks while “burping” the bag every week) now i’m waiting and i hope i haven’t messed up all my seeds, but alas only time will tell
:) They should still do well, no worries. Multiple roads to succes!
❤️❤️
Gladly!
Put in bath of acid?
yeah, some seeds it is a route to open the shells
👍👌🙂
:D
I got so luck to find juniper trees growing in the sidewalk cracks
Ohw cool!