From seed to blossom: A beginner's guide to growing Sakura Bonsai, your own cherry delight.
The Sakura, or Cherry Blossom, is a symbol of ephemeral beauty and a jewel in the world of bonsai. Growing Sakura Bonsai from seeds is a journey of patience and delicate care.
Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Seeds Germination
For a high germination rate, Sakura seeds require pre-treatments called “Stratification”. While Scarification can be a helpful method for some seeds, it is NOT a “must do” process for Sakura seeds.
Steps for Stratification
Stratification mimics winter conditions and is crucial for Sakura seeds. It requires a zip lock bag, moist kitchen paper, and a refrigerator. The seeds are rinsed, optionally soaked in hydrogen peroxide to prevent mold, placed in moist kitchen paper inside a zip lock bag, and then refrigerated. Sprouting can take from 2-8 weeks, depending on the variety.
Stratification Process:
- Rinsing the Seeds: Gently rinse the Sakura seeds in a sieve under running water to remove any debris or impurities.
- Soaking in Hydrogen Peroxide: Put your gardening gloves and soak the seeds in a 10% hydrogen peroxide solution for about 10 minutes. This step, while optional, is highly recommended as it significantly reduces the risk of mold formation. If you've used a scarification method, this step also helps to clean the seeds after their outer shells have been weakened.
- Preparing the Seeds for the Fridge: Using tweezers, carefully pick up the seeds and place them onto a piece of moist kitchen paper. Then, transfer this paper into a Ziploc bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date and type of seeds for easy identification.
- Refrigeration: Place the Ziploc bag in the lower part of your refrigerator - the same section where you would typically store fruits and vegetables. It's essential not to freeze the seeds; rather, you're aiming to provide a consistently cool environment that simulates winter.
- Monitoring and Maintenance: The seeds should start sprouting within 2-8 weeks, although some varieties may take longer to begin germination. Regularly check the seeds once a week, ensuring the kitchen paper remains moist to maintain the necessary humidity levels.
Remember, patience is key – some seeds may take several months to sprout, but the wait is undoubtedly worth the beauty they'll bring.
Why Use Hydrogen Peroxide?
While preparing Sakura seeds for stratification, incorporating hydrogen peroxide offers several advantages:
- Promotes Germination: Hydrogen peroxide, as an active oxygen species, has been shown to enhance the germination of seeds. This is particularly vital for Sakura seeds, which require specific conditions to break dormancy and start sprouting.
- Breaks Seed Dormancy: Studies have reported that soaking seeds like wheat and rice in hydrogen peroxide can break their dormancy, leading to higher germination rates. This effect can be similarly beneficial for Sakura seeds, ensuring a more successful sprouting process.
- Balanced Oxidative Levels: It's hypothesized that seeds need an optimal level of hydrogen peroxide accumulation, known as the 'oxidative window,' for germination. By using hydrogen peroxide in the stratification process, we can help maintain these levels, enhancing the chances of successful Sakura seed germination.
- Stimulates Hormonal Balance: Hydrogen peroxide influences the hormonal balance in seeds, promoting the breakdown of abscisic acid and the synthesis of gibberellin, both crucial for seed germination. This biochemical interaction, termed 'crosstalk,' plays a significant role in initiating the germination process.
However, hydrogen peroxide may not be readily available in your country.
If it is not available, please do not worry about it. Simply storing it in the refrigerator will be sufficient to increase the possibility of germination.
Selecting Viable Seeds for Germination
Once the stratification process is complete, the next critical step is selecting the right Sakura seeds for germination.
24-Hour Water Test for Sakura Seeds:
- After removing the Sakura seeds from the refrigerator, submerge them in water for 24 hours.
- Observe which seeds sink to the bottom. These seeds are generally more viable and have a higher germination rate.
- The sinking of seeds indicates that they are sufficiently hydrated and dense, traits associated with healthy, germinable seeds.
This simple yet effective water test is a preliminary way to ensure that you are sowing seeds with the best chances of successful germination. It's a natural and practical method to separate potentially viable seeds from those less likely to sprout, saving time and increasing the efficiency of your Sakura growing experience.
Preparing the Ideal Soil for Sakura Seeds
Selecting and preparing the right soil is a key step in nurturing Sakura bonsai. Sakura trees thrive in soil that balances moisture retention and nutrient richness. Here's how to create the perfect environment for your Sakura seeds:
- Ideal Soil Composition: A blend of Akadama (medium or small granules), Kanuma soil (small granules), river sand,humus, and black soil offers a harmonious mix of drainage, aeration, and nutrition.
- Layering for Potted Sakura: In pots, a base layer of medium-granule Akadama aids in preventing waterlogging and root rot.
For an even simpler approach, consider mixing Akadama and Humus. Akadama provides excellent drainage and structure, while Humus adds essential organic nutrients. You can find these products here:
This combination is a great starting point for those new to bonsai soil preparation!
Timing and Method of Sowing Sakura Seeds
Timing is key when sowing Sakura seeds. Ideally, sow them between November to December or February to March. This scheduling avoids germination during the extreme weather of summer or winter. Once the ideal sowing period arrives, begin by removing the seeds from the refrigerator and conducting the previously mentioned 24-Hour Water Test.
Preparing the Pot
Fill your pot with the prepared soil and moisten it slightly. Then, make small holes about 1.5 cm deep.
Sowing the Seeds
Place a seed in each hole, then gently cover them with soil, just enough to hide them.
Post-Sowing Care
Water the seeds gently and place the pot in a bright area, away from direct sunlight. To prevent the soil from drying out, covering the pot with plastic wrap right after sowing can be beneficial.
Care and Maintenance of Sakura Bonsai Seeds
Once your Sakura seeds are sown, proper care and maintenance become paramount for ensuring their growth into healthy bonsai trees.
- Optimal Temperature Conditions: Sakura seeds are sensitive to temperature extremes. It's crucial to maintain a stable, moderate temperature, ideally between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Avoid placing your bonsai in locations that experience drastic temperature changes.
- Regular Watering: Sakura seeds require consistent moisture to germinate and grow. Water them gently to avoid disturbing the soil or seeds. The aim is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Monitoring and Adjusting Soil Moisture: Keep an eye on the soil's moisture level. If the soil begins to dry out, water it lightly. During germination, maintaining a steady moisture level is crucial for the seeds to sprout successfully.
- Avoiding Direct Sunlight: While Sakura seedlings need light, direct sunlight can be too harsh. Place them in a bright area where they receive indirect sunlight.
- Protection from Elements: If you're growing Sakura seeds outdoors, protect them from strong winds or heavy rains, which can disrupt their delicate early growth stages.