Bonsai trees are notoriously tricky to grow and care for; that's why those cute little saplings are so expensive at your local nursery. But there's no reason why you can't grow your own if you have the best bonsai seeds. With patience and care, you can save money and feel a much greater sense of accomplishment when you nurture your own miniature trees. The selections on this list are an excellent place to start.
Garden Republic bonsai tree seed starter kit
Best germination rates
One of the most common complaints about bonsai seeds is that they refuse to germinate. The seeds in this kit from Garden Republic have good germination rates; you're sure to convince a few seedlings to come up.
Pros:
- Good germination rates
- Comes with four different types of seeds
- Includes soil disks, grow bags, shears, and plant markers
Cons:
- Only a few seeds come in each packet
Take the hassle out of bonsai growing with this convenient kit. It includes the seeds as well as soil disks, grow bags, shears, and a detailed instruction booklet. The seeds also have a good germination rate, so you can count on a few sprouts coming up. The rest is up to you!
Garden Republic bonsai tree seed kit
Best variety of seeds
If you're ready to try every kind of bonsai possible, this kit includes eight different bonsai seed species! Since it also has bamboo plant markers, you won't forget which is which.
Pros:
- Eight different types of trees
- Comes with plant markers and instructions
- Great gift idea
Cons:
- Some tree species are difficult to grow and care for
Try your hand at growing Brazilian rosewood, Colorado blue spruce, flame tree, black spruce, Buddha tree, Japanese black pine, Siberian elm, and dawn redwood. Garden Republic guarantees good germination rates, so you can count on sprouting some seeds, but certain bonsai trees can be difficult to grow to adulthood, such as the Dawn Redwood.
MySeeds.Co big pack bonsai tree seeds
Best pine seeds
The most common pine tree in Japan, this red pine variety is easy to grow and tends to grow into interesting, irregular shapes. Keep in mind, these seeds may need cold stratification.
Pros:
- 150 seeds
- Popular Japanese variety
- Grows into interesting shapes
Cons:
- May require cold stratification to sprout
Although you may have to stick these seeds in the fridge for a few months before germinating, they tend to have a decent germination rate. These pines make beautiful, unique bonsai trees. The pack comes with 150 seeds, so you'll have many opportunities to try again if at first, you don't succeed.
CZ Grain Chinese wisteria bonsai seeds
Best flowering bonsai
Wisteria bonsai are known for their gorgeous purple blooms. Although these little seeds may be a challenge to get started, the reward is one of the most beautiful bonsai you can grow.
Pros:
- Gorgeous lavender flowers
- Grows in many climates
- Harvested in the USA
Cons:
- Low germination rates
Grow the prettiest bonsai in the land with these wisteria seeds. They are not the easiest seeds to start, but if you have the patience, they can grow into awe-inspiring flowering bonsai. This set only comes with 10 seeds, so it might be worthwhile to buy two sets to start, especially if it is your first time growing this species.
Superfly Bonsai tropical indoor/outdoor bonsai seed kit
Best for indoor growing
If you're germinating and growing bonsai trees in an indoor environment, a tropical specimen should do nicely. This kit includes three kinds of tropical seeds that will grow well indoors.
Pros:
- Tropical specimens
- Easy to grow indoors
- Kit includes soil and pots
Cons:
- It's expensive
Sprout and grow your bonsai trees indoors with this convenient kit. The included soil is perfect for bonsai, and the trees will grow in any temperate climate. This kit includes everything you need to maintain your baby bonsai for the first three years.
Avergo bonsai tree kit
Most colorful combination of bonsai
If colorful bonsai is your goal, this kit has the most vibrant trees you could hope for. From purple jacaranda to blue spruce and the vibrant flame tree, these little trees promise to bring striking beauty to your home.
Pros:
- Colorful combination of seeds
- Kit comes with everything you need to get started
- Includes mini bonsai care tools
Cons:
- The tools are not very durable
With time, these colorful trees will bring a range of vibrant colors to your home. This kit also includes small tools for planting and tending your bonsai as they grow. With the materials in this set, you can grow your baby bonsai for over a year without worrying about changing pots or buying more soil.
CZ Grain dragon blood bonsai tree seeds
Best for patient gardeners
While the dragon blood bonsai, also known as Dracaena Draco, is slow-growing, it has the potential to become an interesting and unusual bonsai tree.
Pros:
- Unusual and striking in appearance
- Rare seeds
- Can grow easily indoors
Cons:
- Very slow growing
This bonsai tree will require patience, but they all do to some extent. The Dracaena Draco tree grows very slowly, so it can take as long as seven years to become an adult bonsai tree. Since it likes warmer climates and does not appreciate cold weather, this is a good bonsai to grow indoors.
Learn the art of bonsai
In Japan, growing bonsai is an ancient and cherished art. It requires time and patience, but a well-cared-for bonsai can become an heirloom that lives in your home for multiple generations. Our pick for the best bonsai seeds are those found in the Garden Republic bonsai tree seed kit since these tend to have good germination rates.
If you just need the seeds and nothing more, try the MySeeds.Co big pack bonsai tree seeds. These might not have the highest germination rates, but you will get plenty of seeds to work with. Since any tree can technically be grown into a bonsai, your choice of seeds will depend on what kind of tree you'd like to keep in your home.
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