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):

This image is hidden for guests.
Please log in or register to see it.

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.