BONSAI - HIMALAYAN DEODAR CEDAR Cedrus deodara
Bonsai is a Japanese word, and translated it means “planted in a container”. This art form is derived from an ancient Chinese horticultural practice, and was redeveloped under the influence of Japanese Zen Buddhism.
The goal of growing a Bonsai is to create a miniaturized representation of nature in the form of a tree.
Growing Bonsai from seeds gives you complete growth control from the earliest stage possible. It can be very rewarding to see your miniature tree develop into maturity!
We select our Bonsai seeds according to plants that perform well in this art form.
Cedrus deodara, the deodar cedar, Himalayan cedar, or deodar, is an evergreen coniferous tree with level branches, and drooping branchlets, making it ideal for bonsai! The leaves are needle-like.
The botanical Name, which is also the English common Name, derives from the Sanskrit term and means "wood of the gods". The species natively occurs in Afghanistan, Tibet, Nepal, Pakistan, and India (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu-Kashmir). The deodar is the national tree of Pakistan. Among Hindus, as the etymology of deodar suggests, it is worshiped as a di tree. Deva, the first half of the Sanskrit term, means dideity, or deus. Dāru, the second part, is cognate with (related to) the words durum, druid, tree, and true. Several Hindu legends refer to this tree.
It is widely grown as an ornamental tree, often planted in parks and large gardens for its drooping foliage. It can succeed in rather cool-summer climates, as in Stateline, Nevada, and Ushuaia, Argentina.
Hardiness zones: 6 and up
Location: Sun or part
Uses: Bonsai, or standard garden (non-Bonsai) use
Seeds per pack: 10
Germination: Soak in water for 12 hours. Plant 2-3 seeds in each pot, just under the surface of a seed-start mix. Place cold area and cold stratify for 30 days (a refrigerator works well). If you are starting your seeds during the cool weather, the pots can be placed in a cold garage. Once the cold period is completed, place the pots in a warm, sunny spot. You should see the first sign of germination within the next few days or weeks, depending on the variety. Generally a 10-60 day range is normal for the first signs of growth. When the seedlings are about 5cm (2") tall, remove any additional plants and leave only the strongest seedling in each pot. The removed seedlings can be planted in a garden or elsewhere if desired.
