Scott’s 6 year JBP Contest Entry

[markyscott]

Planted 120 sinkers after five weeks stratification. That’s all of them.



Scott

 

[markyscott]

First batch looks fine. None the worse for wear for having only 2 weeks stratification, but we'll see if there’s a big difference in germination rate. Cotelydons extended and the first true needles are beginning to form on some.



I’ll start taking cuttings soon.

Scott

 

[markyscott]

Today is seedling cutting day. Most important ingredient?



Only coffee cup a man will ever need. Filled with coffee, of course.

Scott

 

[markyscott]

The old Bonsai Today article is pretty vague about timing. It says to wait until the stems turn purple. I’ve done that in the past and had very low success rate. Instead, I follow Jonas’ advice and take the cuttings when the first true needles start to form. Not the juvenile cotelydons, but the next set that forms in the center of those. Like this:


Scott

 

[markyscott]

I go down to the local nursery and rummage through their recycling to get flats and 4” seedling pots. It takes a bunch. Cost = 0$



Scott

 

[markyscott]

I make two soil mixes. One is recycled bonsai soil - regular size (1/4”-3/8”).


The second is the rooting medium for the cuttings. I used equal parts of three components - vermiculite, seedling starter mix, and perlite.



Mixed together it looks like a very light potting soil:



Scott

 

[markyscott]

I re-seive all of the recycled bonsai soil and fill each of the 4” pots.


I water the medium thoroughly until the water runs clear from the containers:


Scott

 

[markyscott]

Then, with a re-purposed trowel, I make a hole in each of the pots.


Then I pour in the rooting medium.


Scott

 

[markyscott]

Then I water again - I have to make sure to get the rooting mix throroughly wet as peat can be hydrophobic when it’s dry.


Scott

 

[markyscott]

Next step is making the cuttings. Here’s my setup:
One needs water, a sharp razor blade, a clean board and, of course, the Duke. Filled with coffee again.


Scott

 

[markyscott]

Gently pull a seedling from the pot. It should pull out easily with the tap root.


This is what we’re trying to get rid of

Scott

 

[markyscott]

With a clean stroke on the board, cut the stem of the seedling about 1/2” below the cotelydons. This will ensure that you have a node very close to the roots. Then put the cutting into the pail of clean water.


Scott

 

[markyscott]

Repeat a billion times


Well - maybe not quite a billion, but it can feel like it.

Scott

 

[markyscott]

First culling - I’m not taking the late bloomers. Those go in the compost with the soil - bye-bye!


Scott

 

[markyscott]

Next, make a small hole in the rooting mix, dip the seedling in the rooting hormone and gently squeeze the soil around the stem.


Repeat a billion times


Well, maybe not quite a billion, but it sure as heck can feel like it.

Scott

 

[markyscott]

BTW - this batch was the set of sinkers that I cold stratified for 2 weeks. Germination rate was 102 out of 116 or 88%. I took 96 cuttings out of the 102 seedlings - the other 6 were late bloomers that I got rid of. Germination rate of the floaters was 23 out of 27 or an 85% germination rate with the same 2 week stratification period. In other words, no difference in germination rate between the sinkers and the floaters. Floaters appear to be just as strong and at the same stage of growth as the sinkers with the first set of cotelydons extending. Here are the floaters. I’ll take cuttings of them today as well.


Interesting. Learned something from that.

Scott

 

[Victorim]

I was not going to do cuttings.. but what the hell, think I'll go for it for most of them.

 

[Clicio]

@markyscott thanks a lot, i've been learning a lot while waiting for my seeds to . Very useful and clear explanation of the whole process, thanks again!

 

[markyscott]

This is the point where one looks down at ones handiwork and the product of hard labor and thinks, “My god, what have I done?” This is only 1/2 of the seeds - the other 1/2 is coming in a few more weeks. Here’s hoping for a low cutting success rate!


Scott

 

[markyscott]

I was not going to do cuttings.. but what the hell, think I'll go for it for most of them.

@markyscott thanks a lot, i've been learning a lot while waiting for my seeds to . Very useful and clear explanation of the whole process, thanks again!

Don’t forget the Duke cup. It’s critical for the whole process.

S