Playing around with Japanese Black Pines

[Dav4]

Here are some JBP seedlings I bought two years ago. I honestly didn't have any plans for them and just potted them up. Last spring, I wired most of them to get some shape in the trunk and potted them up again. A few are destined to be exposed root style- hence the nursery can in the pond basket. I'll remove the nursery cans next spring and see what we have. I'm not expecting masterpieces here, just having some fun, really. Still, some of these may end up looking good in a few more years.

 

[Dav4]

A few more...

 

[mcpesq817]

Nice work, and great growth after only two years. I have a similar project in mind for some japanese red pine seedlings that I bought from Matt Ouwinga this year. I'll probably be one foot in the grave by the time they are worth anything, but hey, that's the fun of growing things out for bonsai

 

[Dav4]

Nice work, and great growth after only two years. I have a similar project in mind for some japanese red pine seedlings that I bought from Matt Ouwinga this year. I'll probably be one foot in the grave by the time they are worth anything, but hey, that's the fun of growing things out for bonsai

Thanks. That's definitely my approach with these seedlings...just having fun right now, though they may turn into something given some time. I've started about 50 shimpaku cuttings in the last year or two, as well...much slower growing then JBP but still, 10-15 years from now...who knows? By the way, these came from Matt.

 

[pwk5017]

If done properly(still learning what 'properly' really means) it is downright shocking what you can accomplish from seed with JBP. My first batch is 5 years in and i have 1" trunks, which might come close to doubling after this season. Last year, each tree's biggest candle was in the 20-24" range, so Im expecting the same+some this season. Im young though, so now is the time to start these projects : ) I started my first seeds when i was 18. Each year you learn from what you did the previous year and the process only becomes more streamlined.

 

[AboveBeyond]

Thanks for the thread Dav. It really helps to visualize how people are growing their trees and their progress. I have a JBP in the ground but I need to create more movement while it's still small.

 

[Dav4]

If done properly(still learning what 'properly' really means) it is downright shocking what you can accomplish from seed with JBP. My first batch is 5 years in and i have 1" trunks, which might come close to doubling after this season. Last year, each tree's biggest candle was in the 20-24" range, so Im expecting the same+some this season. Im young though, so now is the time to start these projects : ) I started my first seeds when i was 18. Each year you learn from what you did the previous year and the process only becomes more streamlined.

Yes....I know just enough to be dangerous....free draining substrate, lots of water, fert, and as much sun as I can give them, which is my limiting factor.

Half these trees have had their roots messed with 2 years in a row, so I'm not expecting 2' candles here any time soon. Still, I'm hoping that in a few years, my growth will rival yours. Good luck with your trees. By the way, I'm pretty sure I was old enough to legally buy beer when you were born...ugghh, I'm feeling old.

 

[pwk5017]

Agreed, this is going to be the first year I didnt touch the roots on my oldest pines. I am looking forward to what they do in the next few weeks. My plan so far has been to root cuttings from 2 week old seedlings. Then the next 2 years are about perfecting the roots and up-potting into successive pond baskets. My first batch is just now entering the "grow like hell" phase. I am starting to plan final heights and designate the first branch and second trunk leader. A few more years of good growth and my trees destined to become shohins will receive their first chop. Pretty pleased with the nebari on just about all my pines. The first 2-3 years of handicapped growth was worth it.

I need to stop photographing this process. It would be cool to have a 10 year progression from seed to something worthwhile.

 

[Dav4]

Here's a few pictures from today. Some of these were included in the original batch of photos from'13', but some were started over the last few winters...

 

[Dav4]

More....

 

[Dav4]

A few more....

 

[Nybonsai12]

Good stuff Dave, I started tridents from seed last year, this year I'm doing black pine. Hopefully will have something like yours in a few seasons.

 

[Giga]

Your not the only one who like to fiddle. I have a large black pine that's getting a lighting struck hit by a monsoon look. It was free nursery material so I tinkering away. I like these

 

[Dav4]

Good stuff Dave, I started tridents from seed last year, this year I'm doing black pine. Hopefully will have something like yours in a few seasons.

I just ordered some JBP and JRP seeds...totally forgot to order the tridents...doh!!

 

[Dav4]

I re-potted a few of these for the first time in 3-4 years. So far, so good...maybe 10-15 more to go next weekend.

 

[0soyoung]

@Dav4 , you're having entirely too much fun!

 

[Dav4]

@Dav4 , you're having entirely too much fun!

I am!!