I purchased an acer rubrum kit from the company Jonsteen and it says to wait till the Spring to germinate it. Being that I am in Central Florida growing zone 9b, I was wondering if I could plant the seeds now and they'll be okay?

I am hoping I could also get advice on growing a bonsai from a seed, such as what growing medium, deep or shallow pot, etc...

Below is what I am hoping to be able to obtain, or at least something close to it.

lonegreywolf20 wrote:

I purchased an acer rubrum kit from the company Jonsteen

Good. Fortunately, you didn't buy a bonsai kit.

it says to wait till the Spring to germinate it. Being that I am in Central Florida growing zone 9b, I was wondering if I could plant the seeds now and they'll
be okay?

No. Follow the instructions.

I am hoping I could also get advice on growing a bonsai from a seed, such as what growing medium, deep or shallow pot, etc...

You're growing a tree. Just follow the instructions that came with the package. You will have plenty of time to study the subject before you can apply any bonsai techniques.

Also:
This is a frequently asked question, that is answered as frequently. Search the forum.

Below is what I am hoping to be able to obtain, or at least something close to it.

That's a very unrealistic expectation. It took 23 years to create this tree - and it was done by an experienced bonsai grower.

Auk wrote:

Below is what I am hoping to be able to obtain, or at least something close to it.

That's a very unrealistic expectation. It took 23 years to create this tree - and it was done by an experienced bonsai grower.

Since it's unrealistic, what is a realistic expectation that I can achieve?

lonegreywolf20 wrote:

Since it's unrealistic, what is a realistic expectation that I can achieve?

Something like this (wrong maple type, but you get the idea):



But it depends on your talent, dedication, practice, experience, willingness to study, learn techniques like pruning, wiring, repotting, shaping and your patience.

Auk wrote:

lonegreywolf20 wrote:

Since it's unrealistic, what is a realistic expectation that I can achieve?

Something like this (wrong maple type, but you get the idea):



But it depends on your talent, dedication, practice, experience, willingness to study, learn techniques like pruning, wiring, repotting, shaping and your patience.

Okay, thank you!

Since I do not live relatively close to any bonsai clubs, I am going to rely on a forum to help me.

Great to see you taking steps towards growing bonsai. But yes. What Auk sais.. It is a LONG process. Most bonsai are not grown from seed, but cut down from a bigger plant.

I am however growing bonsai from seed too. AExpect about 10 years to grow the basic trunk And another 10 for a crown to get a basic tree.

I would say, 23 years is optimistic for the tree in the picture. Naturally, it is possible to grow such a tree. But you need to know what you are doing, and you need patience. I would recommend to also grow bonsai from larger plants to keep your interest and gain experience.

leatherback wrote:

I would say, 23 years is optimistic for the tree in the picture

Ermm... no. It was grown from a 3 yo seedling and the process took 20 years. So, in total, 23 years.

(if you meant it is optimistic to be able to do this for a beginner, then I agree - but that's exactly what I said)

leatherback wrote:

Great to see you taking steps towards growing bonsai. But yes. What Auk sais.. It is a LONG process. Most bonsai are not grown from seed, but cut down from a bigger plant.

I am however growing bonsai from seed too. AExpect about 10 years to grow the basic trunk And another 10 for a crown to get a basic tree.

I would say, 23 years is optimistic for the tree in the picture. Naturally, it is possible to grow such a tree. But you need to know what you are doing, and you need patience. I would recommend to also grow bonsai from larger plants to keep your interest and gain experience.

It's a problem finding acer rubrum as a bigger plant though. I have yet to actually find one for sale. At least one that is a good size for bonzai beginners. I have seen them 6 foot or taller.

Not really interested in any other type of bonsai.

lonegreywolf20 wrote:

It's a problem finding acer rubrum as a bigger plant though. I have yet to actually find one for sale. At least one that is a good size for bonzai beginners. I have seen them 6 foot or taller.

Bonsai.

6 ft - 2m ? Why is that not a good size for bonsai?

Auk wrote:

lonegreywolf20 wrote:

It's a problem finding acer rubrum as a bigger plant though. I have yet to actually find one for sale. At least one that is a good size for bonzai beginners. I have seen them 6 foot or taller.

Bonsai.

6 ft - 2m ? Why is that not a good size for bonsai?

What am I going to do with a 6 foot tree? I live in an apartment and cannot plant it anywhere. I also have no clue what to do with a tree that large.

Not trying to be difficult, I am clearly at a loss for what to do.