Bonsai Seeds

Adansonia digitata, the baobab, is the most widespread of the Adansonia species on the African continent, found in the hot, dry savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa.

USDA Zone - 10

Season to Sow - Spring

The worlds largest tree! Up to 325 feet in height. Ironically, the world's largest (most massive) tree makes a wonderful bonsai (not for beginners). Germination rate is typically less than 40%, which is normal and to be expected for the species. Seeds should be refrigerated.

Delonix regia is a species of flowering plant from the Fabaceae family, Caesalpinioideae subfamilia, noted for its fern-like leaves and flamboyant display of flowers. In many tropical parts of countries around the world it is grown as an ornamental tree and in English it is given the name Royal Poinciana or Flamboyant. It is also one of several trees known as Flame tree.The Royal Poinciana is found in Madagascar's Madagascar dry deciduous forests. In the wild it is endangered, but it is widely cultivated elsewhere. In addition to its ornamental value, it is also a useful shade tree in tropical conditions, because it usually grows to a modest height but spreads widely, and its dense foliage provides full shade. In areas with a marked dry season, it sheds its leaves during the drought, but in other areas it is virtually evergreen. It makes a beautiful bonsai specimen.

Bolusanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. It belongs to the sub family Faboideae."Tree Wisteria", 5m graceful tree, mauve pea-like flowers in Spring, drier areas. Sow Spring.

Pinus densiflora, the Japanese pine or Japanese red pine, has a home range that includes Japan, the Korean Peninsula, northeastern China (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Shandong) and the extreme southeast of Russia (southern Primorsky Krai). This pine has become a popular ornamental . The height of this tree is 20–35 m. The Japanese red pine prefers full sun on well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The leaves are needle-like, 8–12 cm long, with two per fascicle. The cones are 4–7 cm long. It is closely related to Scots pine, differing in the longer, slenderer leaves which are mid green without the glaucous-blue tone of Scots pine. In Japan it is known as akamatsu and mematsu. It is widely cultivated in Japan both for timber production and as an ornamental tree, and plays an important part in the classic Japanese garden. It is a popular specimen for bonsai.

The Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa) or Bo-Tree is a species of banyan fig native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, southwest China and Indochina.It is also known as "PEEPAL" in Hindi language. It is a large dry season-deciduous or semi-evergreen tree up to 30 m tall and with a trunk diameter of up to 3 m. The leaves are cordate in shape with a distinctive extended tip; they are 10¿17 cm long and 8¿12 cm broad, with a 6¿10 cm petiole. The fruit is a small fig 1-1.5 cm diameter, green ripening purple. The Bodhi tree and the Sri Maha Bodhi propagated from it are famous specimens of Sacred Fig. This plant is considered sacred by the followers of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, and hence the name 'Sacred Fig' was given to it. It makes a stunning bonsai specimen.

Albizia julibrissin is known by a wide variety of common names, such as Persian silk tree or pink siris. It is also called Lenkoran acacia or bastard tamarind, though it is not too closely related to either genus. Its leaves slowly close during the night and during periods of rain, the leaflets bowing downward. Albizia julibrissin is a small deciduous tree growing to 5–16 m tall, with a broad crown of level or arching branches. The bark is dark greenish grey in colour and striped vertically as it gets older, The leaves are bipinnate, 20–45 cm long and 12–25 cm broad, divided into 6–12 pairs of pinnae, each with 20–30 pairs of leaflets; the leaflets are oblong, 1–1.5 cm long and 2–4 cm broad. The flowers are produced throughout the summer in dense inflorescences, the individual flowers with small calyx and corolla (except the central ones), and a tight cluster of stamens 2–3 cm long, white or pink with a white base, looking like silky threads. They have been observed to be attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The fruit is a flat brown pod 10–20 cm long and 2–2.5 cm broad, containing several seeds inside. A good specimen for bonsai.

Japanese cedar is a tall, cone shaped evergreen with bluish green foliage and a massive trunk with thick reddish brown bark that shreds and peels in long strips. This is a fast growing tree that, in its native habitat, can get more than 180 feet tall with a trunk diameter exceeding 12 feet. Ornamental specimens are rarely more than 60 feet tall. The branches are arranged in horizontal tiers, ascending at first, then drooping near their ends. The flattened, wedge-shaped leaves are about 1/2 inch long and point forward, while their bases clasp the twigs. The leaves are overlapping and crowded in 5 ranks that spiral around and completely cloak the twigs. Male and female cones, 1 inch or less in length, are on the same tree. Two varieties are recognized: var. japonica has a dense habit and thick, spreading branches; var. sinensis has a looser habit and slender, drooping branches. A fantastic bonsai specimen.

This selection is unique for its weeping habit, similar to that of the A. palmatum dissectums. The main stem should be staked to the desired height when young. The pendulous branches will cascade down, creating a graceful mound. Leaves are cut to the centre and finely divided, giving a lacy appearance. Autumn tones are brilliant yellow, orange, and crimson. Green Cascade makes a beautiful bonsai specimen.

Ulmus parvifolia, commonly known as the Chinese Elm or Lacebark Elm, is a species native to China, Japan, North Korea and Vietnam. A small to medium deciduous, semi-deciduous (rarely semi-evergreen) tree growing to 10-18 m (30-60 ft) tall with a slender trunk and crown. The leathery, lustrous green single-toothed leaves are small, 2-5 cm long by 1-3 cm broad. The apetalous wind-pollinated perfect flowers are produced in early autumn, small and inconspicuous. The trunk has a handsome, flaking bark of mottled greys with tans and reds, giving rise to its other common name, the Lacebark Elm, although scarring from major branch loss can lead to large canker-like wounds. The Chinese Elm is a tough landscape tree, hardy enough for use in harsh planting situations such as parking lots, in small planters along streets and in plazas or patios. Owing to its versatility and ability to tolerate a wide range of temperatures, light, and humidity conditions, Chinese Elm is a popular choice as a bonsai species. It is considered a good choice for beginners because of its high tolerance of pruning.

"White stinkwood". Growing to 12m. A deciduous tree with pale trunk & branches, fast growing, and drought resistant. Makes a fine bonsai.

USDA Zone - 8

Season to Sow - Spring

In its native habitat, Chinese redbud will often grow as a tree to 50' tall; however, in North America it normally grows smaller as an open, multi-stemmed shrub. Similar to the eastern redbud, it has larger rose-purple flowers and glossier heart-shaped leaves with more deeply cordate leaf bases. It is also less winter hardy. The flowers appear in early spring before the leaves. Wonderful as a bonsai specimen!

USDA Zone - 10

Season to Sow - Spring

Red maple is a beautiful deciduous tree, which will typically grow 40 to 70 feet with a rounded to oval crown. This handsome shade tree displays red colouring during different seasons of the year. It has the distinction of having the greatest north to south distribution of all trees on the east coast. Pioneers once made ink and and black dyes from an extract of the bark. Red maple is prized as an ornamental shade tree because of its rapid growth, highly colored flowers, fruit (winged samaras) and spectacular autumn colours. Ideal for bonsai.

Ceratonia siliqua, commonly known as the Carob tree and St John's-bread is a species of flowering evergreen shrub or tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is widely cultivated for its edible legumes, and as an ornamental tree in gardens. The seed pod may be crushed and used as ersatz chocolate. It is native to the Mediterranean region including Southern Europe, Northern Africa, the larger Mediterranean islands; to the Levant and Middle-East of Western Asia into Iran; and to the Canary Islands and Macaronesia. The Ceratonia siliqua tree grows up to 15 metres (49 ft) tall. The crown is broad and semi-spherical, supported by a thick trunk with brown rough bark and sturdy branches. Most carob trees are dioecious. The trees blossom in autumn. The flowers are small and numerous, spirally arranged along the inflorescence axis in catkin-like racemes borne on spurs from old wood and even on the trunk (cauliflory); they are pollinated by both wind and insects. Male flowers produce a characteristic odour, resembling semen. Carob consumed by humans is the dried (and sometimes roasted) pod, and not the 'nuts' or seeds. Carob is mildly sweet and is used in powdered, chip, or syrup form as an ingredient in cakes and cookies, and as a substitute for chocolate. Also makes a good bonsai specimen.

Koelreuteria paniculata is a species of flowering plant in the family Sapindaceae, native to eastern Asia, in China and Korea. Common names include goldenrain tree, pride of India, China tree, or varnish tree. It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree growing to 7 m (23 ft) tall, with a broad, dome-shaped crown. The leaves are pinnate, 15–40 cm (6–16 in) long, rarely to 50 cm (20 in), with 7-15 leaflets 3–8 cm long, with a deeply serrated margin; the larger leaflets at the midpoint of the leaf are sometimes themselves pinnate but the leaves are not consistently fully bipinnate as in the related Koelreuteria bipinnata. The flowers are yellow, with four petals, growing in large terminal panicles 20–40 cm (8–16 in) long. The fruit is a three-parted inflated bladderlike pod 3–6 cm long and 2–4 cm broad, green ripening orange to pink in autumn, containing several dark brown to black seeds 5–8 mm diameter. It is popularly grown as an ornamental tree in temperate regions all across the world because of the aesthetic appeal of its flowers, leaves and seed pods. Several cultivars have been selected for garden planting, including 'Fastigiata' with a narrow crown, and 'September Gold', flowering in late summer. The seeds are edible when roasted, but not commonly consumed. Makes a fine bonsai specimen.

An extremely variable species with many forms, upright and columnar or low and spreading. One of the most popular bonsai, can be easily fashioned or trained. Adaptable to a wide range of soils. Prefers a sunny location. Excellent evergreen foliage.

Cupressus sempervirens, commonly known as the Mediterranean Cypress or Pencil pine, is a species of cypress native to the eastern Mediterranean region, in northeast Libya, southeast Greece), southern Turkey, Cyprus, western Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. It is a medium-sized evergreen tree to 35 m in height, with a conic crown with level branches and variably pendulous branchlets. It is very long-lived, with some trees reported to be over 1,000 years old. The foliage grows in dense sprays, dark green in colour. The leaves are scale-like, 2-5 mm long, and produced on rounded shoots. The seed cones are ovoid or oblong, 25-40 mm long, with 10-14 scales, green at first, maturing to a golden brown. The male cones are 3-5 mm long. Mediterranean Cypress has been widely cultivated as an ornamental tree for millennia away from its native range, mainly throughout the central and western Mediterranean region, and in other areas with similar hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Pencil pines are hardy and will grow in all but the most severe climatic zones of Australia. They are also more tolerant of dry conditions than most other cypresses. It makes an excellent bonsai subject.

This bright purple flowering tree has purple flowers. It is frost hardy, likes the full sun and grows well in most conditions.

Hibiscus syriacus is a hardy deciduous shrub. It is upright and vase-shaped, reaching 2–4 m in height, bearing large trumpet-shaped flowers with prominent yellow-tipped white stamens. The flowers are often pink in color, but can also be dark pink (almost purple), light pink or white. Individual flowers are short-lived, lasting only a day. However, numerous buds are produced on the shrub's new growth, and this provides prolific flowering over a long summer blooming period. The soil in which the Hibiscus thrives on is a moist, but well-drained, mixture of sand, clay, chalk, and loam. Maintaining an Alkaline, Neutral pH(5.5 - 7.0) levels. Individual flowers that grow only last a day, contrasting when numerous flowers are produced providing a prolific life span lasting a long summer blooming period. They're highly tolerant to air pollution, heat, humidity, poor soil and drought. Shoots make interesting indoor vase cuttings, as they stay green for a long time, and some new flowers may open from the more mature buds.

Pachypodium is a genus of succulent spine-bearing trees and shrubs, native to Africa. It belongs to the dogbane family, Apocynaceae.

Pachypodium saundersii, the Kudu Lily, is a succulent plant belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It is found naturally in Southern Africa, on the Lebombo Mountains and other areas in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Swaziland. The fastest growing of all pachypodiums and an excellent bonsai subject.

USDA Zone - 10

Season to Sow - Spring

Caesalpinia ferrea, known as the Leopard Tree or the Brazilian Ironwood, is a lovely tree growing to 10 metres high with attractive mottled bark. Leaves are compound and are slightly reddish at first in Spring and maturing to bright green. The tree is deciduous for a very short time, particularly in cooler climates, and has a stout main trunk soon dividing and forming an erect, vase-shaped frame supporting a rounded crown. One of the most attractive features of the tree is its lovely mottled white and grey bark. The older bark flakes off to reveal the leopard-like spotted trunk. The yellow flowers are borne in racemes with long, tassel-like stamens. Flowers are abundant over the crown of the tree in Spring.

Japanese zelkova is a deciduous tree that grows to 15.2-18.3 m in height. This attractive tree has a vase shaped form when young and a rounded umbrella-like habit when mature. An excellent specimen for bonsai enthusiasts.

Ulmus pumila, the Siberian Elm, is native to Central Asia, eastern Siberia, Mongolia, Xizang (Tibet), northern China, India (northern Kashmir) and Korea . It is also known as the Asiatic Elm, Dwarf Elm and (erroneously) Chinese Elm. The Siberian Elm is usually a small to medium-sized, often bushy, tree growing to 10 20 m tall, with a trunk up to 80 cm. The leaves are deciduous in cold areas, but semi-evergreen in warmer climates, changing from dark green to yellow in autumn.

Though native to Japan, Larix Kaempferi is also widely planted in other parts of the world as a forestry tree due to its strength and vigour. Its growth as a juvenile tree is even faster than the European Larch though its ultimate height is no greater. Unlike the drooping branches of the European Larch, the branches of Larix kaempferi spread more or less horizontally. The main way to differentiate between the two species is the colour of the new twigs in winter; Larix kaempferi has a reddish colour whilst Larix decidua is yellow. The Japanese Larches make a great bonsai!

Ilex cornuta, commonly known as Chinese holly or horned holly, is a slow-growing, densely foliaged evergreen shrub in the Aquifoliaceae plant family. It is native to eastern China and Korea and attains a height of about 3 metres. The leaves are usually 5-spined (sometimes 4), between 3.5 cm and 10 cm long, oblong and entire. The fruits are red berries, which are larger than those of the European Holly. Ilex cornuta is valued horticulturally for its attractive and distinctive rectangular foliage and for its large red berries. Ilex cornuta will tolerate a wide variety of soils and will grow in sun or shade.

USDA Zone - 10

Season to Sow - Spring

Scots pine is a fast-growing, conical to columnar, medium to large sized evergreen conifer with distinctive flaking orange/red-brown bark. It typically grows 30-60ft tall in cultivation, but may reach 100ft in the wild. It develops an open-rounded, irregular crown as it matures. It is a very widely distributed pine that is native to northern Europe and northern Asia, but has also naturalized in parts of the north-eastern and north central U. S. It is the only pine that is native to Great Britain. It makes a beautiful bonsai.