Bonsai is the art of Japanese miniature trees. Some of the candidates for bonsai such as junipers and the various spruces, and cedars are evergreens suited for outdoor display. Baobab, Monkey Pod Raintree, and the Acacias are tropical trees and are best for indoor training and display in cold climates.
This selection of exotic seeds is of particular interest to those practicing the ancient Japanese art of Bonsai. Many of the photographs of trees and plants shown here will be of specimens that have not been trained in that form, but will give anyone an idea of the beauty and potential of each specie. A few of the species are tropical for indoor use while most others are for keeping outdoors where they must be heavily mulched and protected in cold winters if they are to be grown in pots as bonsai specimens. Acacias make very good candidates for bonsai as well, visit out separate list of Acacias within this site.
Bonsai are beautiful and graceful plants that reflect the patience and care of their owners. An art form developed centuries ago by Japanese gardeners, the practice of growing and cultivating these miniature trees can be done from seeds. Many good books have been written on the care and culture of bonsai and most are available at your local Free Public Library or your favorite bookstore. Also check out these web sites:
THE AMERICAN BONSAI SOCIETY
BONSAI IN BRITAIN
USENET rec.arts.bonsai
B1702 SACRED JAPANESE CEDAR. (Cedro Japonés Sagrado) CRYPTOMERIA JAPONICA. A very popular bonsai plant with pyramidal form. Outside, it is an elegant evergreen tree growing to 150'. The bark is reddish-brown and peels in strips. Zones 6-9. Packets of 5 seeds $2.00 For Picture/Information Click Here
B1705 PYRAMID CHINESE JUNIPER. (Enebro Chino Pirámide) JUNIPERUS CHINENSIS. A graceful garden tree also known as Pyramid Cedar, this specimen is fast becoming an accepted specimen of Bonsai culture. Has needle like leaves and twisted trunk with slightly scaly bark. Zones 4-7. Packets of 10 seeds $2.00
D4509 WEEPING FICUS, WEEPING FIG. Ficus benjamina. One of the most recognizable house plants grown today. Very economical and easy to grow from seed and easy to care for. A fast growing plant that can become a centerpiece. Packet of 12 seeds $1.95 For Pictures/Culture Information Click Here
4598 MONKEY POD RAIN TREE, BRAZILIAN RAIN TREE. Samanea saman. Few people realize that this magnificent Rain Forest tree can be raised inside in containers. Its name comes from the fact that when it rains, the fern like foliage closes up to let the rain pass through. Bears beautiful glowing pink flowers followed by attractive green and black pods that contain a sweet pulp that is eaten by monkeys in its jungle habitat. Very easy to raise from seeds. Tropical houseplant. Packets of 10 seeds $2.25
B1708 INCENSE CEDAR. (Cedro del Incienso) CALOCEDRUS. A small pyramidal shaped cedar that is prized for its very fragrant leaves and wood. Easy to start from seeds. A very beautiful bonsai specimen. Zones 5-8. Packets of 5 seeds $2.00
B1714 BAOBAB; LEMONADE; MONKEYBREAD TREE. ADANSONIA DIGITATA. Only the most serious of tree collectors have these unusual trees. The huge trunk of this tree can reach 30' in diameter. Has large 6" hibiscus like flowers and foot long fruits filled with refreshing lemon flavored pulp. The leaves can be eaten like spinach. The trunks store considerable water, as much as 1,000 gallons have been tapped from one. However, if you do not have a half acre to plant one on, they make great bonsai. Tropical Houseplant or Warm Greenhouse Packets of 2 seeds $3.50
B1717 AMUR MAPLE. (Arce Amur) ACER GINNALA. NE Asia. A fast growing small and dainty gray-barked tree with white flowers and brilliant fall colors. When grown as a bonsai, its trunk can be contorted into many different forms. Zones 3-6. Packets of 20 seeds $2.00
B1719 EUROPEAN HORNBEAM. (Carpe de Europa) CARPINUS BETULUS. A hardy tree resembling a beech that is prized for its very tough nature. It is not commonly used as bonsai, but we believe it will soon become a staple in this field. A very handsome tree. Zones 5-7. Packets of 20 seeds $2.00
B1727 BLACK HILLS SPRUCE, WHITE SPRUCE(Abeto Banco) PICEA GLAUCA. This exquisite spruce is raised primarily as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens, however in should be in every lawn as well. There is probably not a more beautiful tree to be found. It is raised for Christmas trees and probably makes the best ones. It is now becoming the choice of bonsai growers as well. Zones 3-6. Packets of 20 seeds $2.00
B1728 RUSSIAN OLIVE. (Arbol Aceítuna de Ruso) ELAEAGNUS ANGUSTIFOLIA. Although its fruits are used in drinks and to make preserves, it is more sought after for its white shoots and silver undersides of leaves. Trains well. Zones 3-7. Packets of 5 seeds $2.00
B1738 CHOKEBERRY. (Amelanquier) PRUNUS MELANOCARPA A very nice little bush that gives off loads of fruit and is easy to raise. Not much used for bonsai, but it shows a lot of promise. Zones 5-9. Packets of 5 seeds $2.00
B1741 ENGLEMAN SPRUCE. (Abeto de Engleman) PICEA ENGLEMANNII. Although it is rare in cultivation, it is a very nice bonsai tree. Leaves give off strong smell when bruised. This tree makes an excellent lawn tree or natural Christmas tree when raised outside. Zones 3-7 Packets of 20 seeds $2.00
B1747 RED RIVER BIRCH. (Abedul del Rio) BETULA NIGRA. A graceful pyramidal tree with striking Beige, peach, cinamon to rust curling bark. The most beautiful of the varieties of River Birch. Shows best when planted for multiple trunks. Its twisting shape lends well to bonsai. Zones 5-9. Packets of 25 seeds $2.00
B1749 MONTEREY CYPRESS. (Ciprés de Monterey) CUPRESSUS MACROCARPA. Bruised foliage has citronella-like smell. The conifer shape and small needle like leaves make this a natural bonsai choice. Zones 6-9. Packets of 15 seeds $2.00
B1755 EUROPEAN HACKBERRY. (Almez Europeo) CELTIS AUSTRALIS/LAEVIGATA. From S Europe. Grows easily from seeds and has gray bark, light green serrated leaves and is grown for its umbrella type crown. Zones 3-9. Packets of 5 seeds $2.00
B1759 CAROB TREE, ST. JOHN'S BREAD. (Arbol Algarrobo) CERATONIA. A beautiful small tree from the Mediterranean coasts. Has heavy, dark pinnate leaves and small red fruits. A very sturdy evergreen that is easily grown from seeds. Zones 9-11. Packets of 5 seeds $2.00
B1765 CREOSOTE BUSH. LARREA TRIDENTATA. A deep green resinous shrub that is aromatic. The buds of the plant can be pickled like capers and a valuable medicinal tea is made from the leaves. Its desert tolerance and appearance make it a good bonsai candidate. Packets of 10 seeds $2.00
B1774 INDIAN ARROWROOT. EUONYMUS. A small slow growing tree with smooth bark and purple tinged leaves and purple flowers. Very attractive. Zones 5-9. Packets of 15 seeds $2.00
B1780 TEXAS EBONY TREE. PITHECELLOBIUM. A very popular ornamental bonsai plant with small spines and dense yellow, fragrant flowers when in bloom. Packets of 5 seeds $2.50
Note about seed germination: Most species of seeds have hard casings to protect the seed "embryo". For most of these "hard" seeds, the outer shell must be scarred, scratched or softened in some way. Some species take up to a year to germinate and will need help in the beginning to get the shell softened. Most varieties of slow germinating seeds will turn black and rot if there is not sufficient heat in the soil (75 to 90 degrees F. for most species) or if the soil dries out or is allowed to remain too wet, which will encourage the growth of one or another of the varieties of fungus or mold. It is important to speed up germination and to get the plants growing as soon as possible in order to avoid potential problems. Anyone who has soaked dried beans before cooking is familiar with the process of softening up the shell. When the outer shell is softened it allows the contents to expand. Potassium Nitrate (Saltpeter) can help in softening up these outer shells. It is available in many drug stores, but for those who have difficulty obtaining a small amount, we offer 1 teaspoon packets for $1.00. Soak the seeds in a solution of one teaspoon of the Saltpeter to one quart of warm water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Do not allow the seeds to dry out but sow them immediately using the remaining solution to water the soil or other growing medium. Soak several species of seeds at once in smaller containers of the same solution and have the containers of growing medium or soil ready for planting as soon as the soaking period is complete. SS100 Potassium Nitrate (Saltpeter) one teaspoon packet $1.00
See our free report on How to Grow Plants from Seed for further information. Our Do-it-Yourself Seed Starter Kit Plans (only $2.00) will show you what you can do to give your seeds the best possible chance of germinating.