Bonsai Kit: Growing Instructions for Acer, Jacaranda, Judas Tree & Black Pine

On this page you will find detailed instructions for the Bonsai Grow Kit. You can download the instructions booklet here (PDF).

The kit includes four trees: Acer palmatum, jacaranda, Judas tree and Japanese black pine.

Acer palmatum – Japanese maple

The Japanese maple is perhaps the most popular bonsai, thanks to its bright red leaves and shape. It has been grown in Japan for centuries and is ideal for beginners.

1. Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24–48 hours.
2. Place them on slightly damp kitchen paper inside the zip bag in the pack, in the fridge (not the freezer) for 60–90 days. Check the moisture every 15 days; if they sprout earlier, plant them.
3. Soak the seed pellet in water until it swells, make a hole in the middle, add one seed and cover it. Place it in the biodegradable pot in a bright, warm spot.
4. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Germination takes 1–2 months or more.
5. When the seedlings reach 15–18 cm, transplant them into the kit pot, in full sun.
6. Water when the soil starts to dry. After 2–3 years you can start training it as a bonsai.

Jacaranda

Jacaranda is famous for its beautiful purple flowers. It is easy to grow and, once established, tolerates light frost.

1. Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours.
2. Place one seed near the surface of the swollen seed pellet and cover it. If you have run out of pellets, sow in rich compost 1–1.5 cm deep.
3. Put the pot in a spot at 20–24°C with 6–8 hours of sun or strong light.
4. Keep the soil lightly moist; the first shoot appears in 20–30 days.
5. At 16 cm, transplant into the small pot. The soil must drain freely.
6. In 2–3 years it is ready for bonsai; use the scissors and wire in the kit to shape it.

Judas tree

The Judas tree is covered in pink flowers in spring and makes a beautiful bonsai.

1. Soak the seeds in hot (not boiling) water for 24–48 hours until they swell. If they do not swell, remove the outer coat and leave them another 12 hours in lukewarm water.
2. Place them on damp kitchen paper in the zip bag in the fridge for 4–6 weeks. Check the moisture every 15 days.
3. Sow one seed in the swollen seed pellet, cover it and place it in the biodegradable pot.
4. Keep it at 20–24°C with 6–8 hours of sun. Keep the soil lightly moist; it sprouts in 20–30 days.
5. At 16 cm, transplant into the small pot with free-draining soil. In 2–3 years it is ready for bonsai.

Japanese black pine

Japanese black pine is the classic bonsai: hardy, easy to germinate and shape, and ideal for beginners.

1. Soak the seeds in room-temperature water for 12–24 hours.
2. Sow one seed in the swollen seed pellet, cover it and place it in the biodegradable pot.
3. Keep it at 20–24°C with 6–8 hours of sun or strong light.
4. Keep the soil lightly moist; it sprouts in 20–40 days.
5. At 16 cm, transplant into the small pot with free-draining soil. After 2–3 years start shaping it with the scissors and wire.

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