Growing Bonsai from seed, why did I need to cold stratify the seeds for 7 days?

Question

The instructions said soak in water for 24 hours, then cold stratify the Jack Pine seeds for 7 days in the fridge, only then can I actually plant them.

May I ask why?

Daniel

Answer 1

Outdoor plants like yours go through this stage naturally and the instructions are guiding you to do what nature would do naturally. You can actually look at this site for further guidance on the care of bonsai both outdoor ones like yours and also indoor plants.

http://www.american-bonsai.com

Growing from seed does not grow bonsaied plants. It just gives you a small plant to start with so you can keep it small through careful pruning of branches and roots.

Answer 2

alot of plants must go through a dormant stage to reproduce..such as fig trees..If you take cuttings from them..You put them in a freezer for 2 weeks to simulate a winter dormant period..These seeds you planted needed a dormant curing period for proper germination..This simulated a mild winter