I have planted some seeds of Zelkova serrata and they've grown nicely under some grow lights. I didn't have a lot of space so I planted them all in one pretty small container as you can see in the pictures. However my question is: When do I make the first cut to get ramification and branches low on the trunk?

My goal is not to make huge bonsai from these seedlings but rather small shohin sized broom style bonsai.

(and btw I know what we say about seeds and bonsai but this is just something extra on the side. I have other trees in different stages)

Ternald wrote: However my question is: When do I make the first cut to get ramification and branches low on the trunk?

A couple of years.

Bonsai are NOT created by keeping seedlings small.

Thank you for your reply
Yes Im aware, Im not trying to keep it small and Im not going to cut it when it just sprouted. I was wondering if there is anything else then the thickness of the trunk that I should keep in mind when making the first cut. If i want the trunk to be just 1cm thick should I just let it grow freely until I get that or can I make a cut a bit earlier to have better taper and ramification?

Ternald wrote: I was wondering if there is anything else then the thickness of the trunk that I should keep in mind when making the first cut. If i want the trunk to be just 1cm thick should I just let it grow freely until I get that or can I make a cut a bit earlier to have better taper and ramification?

Maybe all these links regarding trunk thickening and treatment for a determined purpose in general, may aid your search on this matter:

www.growingbonsai.net/growing-bonsai/growing-trunks/
www.growingbonsai.net/growing-bonsai-fro...otting-of-seedlings/

Hope it helps,

Alain

Thank you, ill have a look