Pinus densiflora 10 seeds "Japanese red pine"

Japanese red pine is widely used as a bonsai tree. If left to grownaturally, it reaches 30 to 50 feet tall. A truly classic and beautifultree for bonsai.

A distinguishing feature of this tree is the often crooked or sweepingtrunk which shows reddish-orange peeling bark; very showy trunk. Thetree wants to grow with several trunks but can be trained to grow witha single trunk. It has soft bendable branches that tend to sweepupward. Needs little pruning to develop a strong structure.

A cone-like evergreen tree with broad irregular head. In Japan it isthought of as 'feminine' because of the soft informal appearance. Softbright blue green or yellow green needles are arranged in pairs andremain on the tree for about three years.

Hardiness zones 3-7, (-37¿C/-35¿F, -15¿C/-5¿F) in Winter. Grow infertile well-drained soil. Keep a bit on the dry side; increase sandfor drainage in soil mix. The tree can tolerate drought. Grows best insemi-shade to full indirect light. Doesn¿t like extreme heat; giveafternoon shade.
First, scarify the seeds. For faster germination, soak the seeds inslightly hot water for 24-48 hours, followed by 4-6 weeks coldstratification before sowing at 1/4" deep in sterile gardening soil.Keep damp soil, not soaking wet. Keep pot in warm situation, 68-75¿F.Germination usually occurs several months. It can be more depending ontheir degree of unbroken dormancy, don't give up.
Seed coats may be so hard that they are impermeable to water. They needto be scratched or broken using a knife or sandpaper, in order togerminate. Chip the seeds with a sharp knife or make a few swipes witha sharp edged file or use sandpaper to allow moisture being morereadily absorbed.