SEQUOIA sempervirens Bonsai

The California Redwood is the world's tallest tree growing up to 115 metres (178ft) tall with a trunk up 9 metres (29ft) in diameter. It is also a very long-lived tree in the wild, living for 1200-1800 years or more.

Grows naturally along a narrow strip of land approximately 750 km long and 8-75 km wide in coastal California from Montery County to Southwestern Oregon.

Grow notes:

Cold stratification is recommended. YouTube Cold Stratification Video 
Cold treatment may not be critical for germination to occur in colder regions but should give increased germination rates.

This can be replicated by cold stratification in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks. Alternatively overwintering in the garden in cold climates will assist germination.

1. Overwintering in the garden in cold climates:

   1. Soak in water overnight.
   2. Sow the seed 4-5mm deep.
   3. Water with a fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
   4. Ensure the mix is moist but not waterlogged.
   5. Leave in the garden over winter.

    Cold stratification in the refrigerator:

   1. Place the seed in a plastic bag with some growing mix.
   2. Add a little water to mix to make it damp. 
   3. Place the bagged container in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks.
   4. Germination generally occurs in 14-28 days when moved to warmer temperatures after the period of cold treatment.

   General note: Seeds of many plants are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
   Please do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.