Folks,
we used the seed provided by Dallas Bonsai and Bonsai of Brooklyn [ Amazon ] or is that Bonsai Boy?
Observations
- 30/ 32 or so seeds - germination [ no cold needed ] just the soak ] -> 25 to 20 seeds or so germinating
Later on about 5 would be weaker or weird, usually they die on their own .
Out of the 20 or so left about 10 to 15 would be super growers and the rest slower.
Result -
focus on the super growers and propagate from them.
In steps Aus Bonsai and we start to grow - hardwood cuttings - very simple yet only 1 once in a while take.
Fair enough in 10 years we would overload.
More Observations -
Takes 3' of top or all the equivalent growth to get an 1" on a trunk.
Pot must widen not deepen, in fact for - us - 6" / 5 " is the limit of pot depth.
So we have these flat saucers of clay, growing those that like to grow taller.
Soil mix has never failed.
Lots of sun, even for the cuttings.
So if the results in the Japanese magazine Bonsai Today are evading you, try the better seed in the germination.
As to surface roots, thus far the trees are doing it naturally, seems to be the J.B.pines genetic thing to create the
eagle's claw.
Thus far easy plants to keep healthy.
Other Observations -
Seeds from other suppliers on Amazon.
Waste of time, poor germination and the seedling grow poorly. Example - out of 40 seeds - germination poor - 20
or so, and the seedlings are puny, scanty of needles, 2 years later --------- horrible --------- growth.
So yes, use this type of seed and you get scanty needles, weak trunks, and very poor growth.
Statement -
It is obvious the Japanese seed company provides excellent material to work with.
[ Need an image of the seed pack ? Should be one around somewhere if yo need to see ]
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Our focus deals more with ramification and needle size.
In the Tropics, the J.B.Pine is vigorous and next test is to see how our version of shorter days and cool weather
affects the needles.
Let you know in October to February.
Now to figure out ------------ how much is a lot of fertiliser.
Our aged compost can trap and hold a great deal of inorganic fertiliser as well as breeding the micro life so
experiment xxx takes place.
BY THE WAY we no longer use seeds, just cuttings.
Good Day
Anthony
* Our seedling as often stout and have a ton of needles, never seen the like on Bnut.
This is what we expect of a 6 month to 1 year seedling
