First time propagating seeds

[BB Brian]

I managed to obtain Chinese Elm seeds from a local, I asked for maybe a dozen seeds but he said he'd give me 5000 lol. Now not sure if I've done this right but I've just scattered them over a seedling tray and then added a light layer of soil on top. Should I do anything else at this stage? Are there too many seeds in the one tray? I've put some slow release fertiliser. Should I spray seasol?


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[Ray M]

I managed to obtain Chinese Elm seeds from a local, I asked for maybe a dozen seeds but he said he'd give me 5000 lol. Now not sure if I've done this right but I've just scattered them over a seedling tray and then added a light layer of soil on top. Should I do anything else at this stage? Are there too many seeds in the one tray? I've put some slow release fertiliser. Should I spray seasol?

Hi banong,
The seeds will love the Seasol. Water it over the soil with a watering can. I wouldn't have put fertilizer on the soil at this stage of propagation. Did you put all the seeds in the tray? If so you will have an interesting job trying to separate them.

I have done a couple of threads on growing from seed. You may find something useful so I have added them below.

Casuarina Seeds

Maple Seeds

Regards Ray

[shibui]

You seem to have it correct but I would have put more mix in under the seeds. I normally almost fill the tray with mix then scatter the seeds and cover with up to 1 cm of mix (for larger seeds like these but much less with smaller seeds) Small seedlings can be attacked by damping off fungus. It grows best where there is limited air movement and there is often less air movement in a half empty seed tray or pot so it is best to fill your trays close to the top.

If I am not sure of the viability of the seed I usually put in extra seeds. If they all grow you can prick out the ones you want and toss the rest or snip off some to just leave the ones you want to grow on.

Seeds will germinate just as well without seasol. Seeds have been managing very well without it for millions of years. I agree with Ray that fertiliser is best added after germination.

[Max]

at this time of year do you think a heat mat would best

[Ray M]

at this time of year do you think a heat mat would best

Hi no idea,
Where I live and you live are quite different climates. I'm fortunate that the weather at my place is still warm enough for me to not need a mat. That said, doesn't give the complete picture. My trailer is parked in the drive and it has aluminium panels. I use these to my advantage. If you have a look at both threads I mentioned above you will see how I use the heat generated by the trailer. If the nights are going to be very cold I place the seed tray, on the concrete drive, under the trailer for the night.

If Shibui sees this post he could most probably advise you better because the temperatures he experiences are going to be more like what you would have.

Regards Ray

[shibui]

I do not see any need to provide heat for seeds of temperate species. They are all adapted to drop seed in autumn. The seed then lies dormant through cold weather and germinates when temps get warmer in spring. This is what nature intended. Why mess with it? Added heat can also increase problems with fungal infection in tiny seedlings.
I just sow seed as above and put the trays outside in the weather and wait. When conditions are correct the seed germinates and the seedlings continue to grow because temps are right by that stage. I think that if seed trays are heated seedlings may emerge before conditions are conducive to good growth and seedlings may need additional protections, etc or suffer from cold. Getting seedlings to germinate 1 or 2 weeks early will hardly matter in the scheme of growing bonsai over many years.

[Max]

oh well....there you go Banong....you'll just have to stare at your tray of dirt til spring

[shibui]

Actually, keep an eye on the pot to make sure the mice or rats don't find it. They are happy to dig up the seeds and eat them. I've lost whole trays of seed that way and have heard others say the same. If you think it could be possible cover the tray with wire mesh or something that will keep the buggers out while allowing water and light in.

Maybe you haven't got enough to do, No Idea. Far too many things going on around here to just stare at a pot of dirt, even in winter

[Max]

Hi Shibui....mate i don't know what it is i "should" be doing ....I'll give you a list of what's growing in pots if you like mind you I've got 5 shimpaku that's new growth is a greenish, coppery light brown...is this normal? I have an air layered B. Ericafolia branch that's about 1.2h x 1.2w ,trunk about 50mm but want to see if it will flower, so nothing i can do with that then the J & T maples and Liquid amber are just losing their leaves, my natives well, i was looking at my drooping she-oak and took the original leading branch off my jades will be going sleepy nigh nigh, my buxus i can't touch Watto said, my Hawthorn is still green but it 2 will be going sleepy nigh nigh, my J. Squamatas i can't bend because i don't have/afford the thick wire the raffia will be the shirts that were handed down to me from my 3rd oldest brother who wore them after Uncle Bob grew out of them when he was a kid

[BB Brian]

oh well....there you go Banong....you'll just have to stare at your tray of dirt til spring

Haha I'll do just that. Cheers.


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[BB Brian]

Thank you for all the advice. Really appreciate it. I have added more soil on top but I'll recheck this again once I'm home tonight. Rains are out for the weekend which I hope is good for the seeds germination as well.


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[BB Brian]

Not sure how to reply and post photos to give you all an update but the seedlings have made an appearance!
Today is a great day!

[shibui]

Congratulations Daddy

[BB Brian]

Still getting a hang of this. Here are the first signs of life from my Chinese Elm seeds! [SEEDLING]


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[Max]

Hi Banong well done mate...now a bigger yard for all your trees