Bonsai Growing Kit - Japanese Black Pine

Japanese Black Pine

Japanese black pine bonsai—Pinus thunbergii—is known as the king of bonsai and the most iconic conifer in bonsai practice. Japanese black pine’s aesthetic speaks to its longevity and durability. This conifer is a very powerful, aggressive, masculine approach to bonsai because of specific features, including a: 

● Thick trunk

● Thick bark

● Angular nature

● Dark green color; and 

● Sharp needles 

Capable of producing two flushes of growth in a single season, Japanese black pine is one of the most vigorous bonsai trees. 

It is viewed as a representation of longevity, so you will often see this species at funerals and outside of cemeteries or shrines. In Japanese culture, it is a symbol of the new year and the changing of seasons.

Bonsai Starter Kit provides everything you need to grow your own Bonsai – Seeds, Pot, Bonsai Mix and Instructions.

Everything you need to bring the joy of growing bonsai into your or a loved one’s life – in one sleek box. Each box contains fresh seeds, 1 ceramic container, seedling growing medium, decorating stones, drainage mesh and instructions.

We also offer Custom Design options on the packaging to personalize for Weddings or Corporate Branding

The perfect DIY gift: For mom, dad, him or her, this is the perfect gift to give on birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, housewarming, or any other occasion — ideal for beginners, masters, and children alike. See the excitement in their eyes as they experience growing indoor bonsai trees.

No green thumb needed: Just follow the easy step-by-step instructions, and you’re good to go.

Growing Guidance

Soak the seeds in water for at least 24 hours before you plant them. This will
soften the husks and prepare the seeds for germination.
Sow two seeds in each pot, but leave space between the two seeds. Place the
seeds end-down in the soil, and push them about 1/8 inch into the soil. Cover
them with soil and tamp it down.
Cover the seeds with a 1-inch layer of compost to protect them from the elements. Water the pots until the soil is moist but not wet. Water the seeds once a week, but don't over water. Allow the soil to dry slightly between each watering. Keep the pots in full sun, and fertilize with an acidic fertilizer once the black pine seedlings sprout.

Japanese black pine bonsai do not like to be kept wet and their soil should be thoroughly dried out between waterings. The trick is to not let their roots stay dry for a long period to avoid reducing the tree’s growth rate. 

Although they don’t like being kept wet, they are a species that utilizes a large amount of water. So when it comes time to water the tree, ensure the roots are thoroughly saturated.

Germination Tip:

After soaking the seed overnight and the seed has not softened or swelled, you will need to scarify the seed coat. Scarifying is the process of weakening the seed coat, so that water and oxygen can enter the seed, in turn, kick starting germination. Seeds will remain  dormant if not exposed to these elements

Scarifying can be achieved by gently rubbing the seed coat with sandpaper, you do not need to rub off the entire coating, just enough for water to enter.

NB: Only scarify the seed coat, do not damage the internal parts of the seed.

Once Scarifying has been done. submerge the seed again as per instructions