Bonsai Tree Seed Starter Kit - Woodbox Planter

*Changed my review entirely after a few weeks of writing it*I originally gave this product 4 stars because I was missing some seeds, but Garden Republic reached out- going above and beyond to make things right. I had really successful germination with the Siberian Elm, Brazilian Rosewood, and Flame Tree seeds. The others are also growing, but had a 1/3 germination rate for the first batch I tried. I think what most customers should know before buying these is that you can’t really just stick tree seeds in a pot and expect them to magically grow. They require significant preparation and care at different life stages. From my experience, you’ll need:• Sterile soil• Multiple pots with drainage• Fertilizer after the second set of leaves appear• A grow light if you’re growing bonsai inside• A seedling heat mat (especially for the Brazilian Rosewood)• and lots of patience.Overall, great kit if you’d like to try growing a variety of tree seeds. Highly recommend them if you’re looking for something a little different.

I've gone through the germination process of 5 different types of bonsais and I had a success rate on average of 80% of each. The flame tree seeds are massive! Those I've had 100% germination rate. Great product and instructions clear. Packaged nicely. I'm growing indoors with a grow lamp and they are responding well.

I purchased the kit of 8 seed varieties, which included the wood soil stakes. I used my own seed-starting soil from Miracle-Grow. I also picked up a heat mat and a plastic seed kit with 72 pods, a deep tray, and a clear lid. I already have a small vinyl indoor greenhouse that currently houses my indoor tropical Bonsai trees. I also have several full-spectrum grow lights in there. Just wanted to set the stage with my set-up.Now as for the seed kit. It came with 8 species of seeds, each packet containing more seeds than they were supposed to. So I started by planting 4 to 6 of each for now. I followed the pre-sowing instructions as directed for the 24 to 48 hours required for each. Planted seeds as directed into pre-moistened soil,(much easier to fill those little seed starter cups), and covered the tray with the clear plastic lid. The heat mat I used was just a one-temperature type, not one super expensive that you can adjust the temperature. I found that since my greenhouse was already being kept on the humid side, the soil stayed moist and the mat seemed to work.I had the first sprout from a Siberian Elm after 4 days! That seed pack said 30 days for germination. On the 5th day, three more species began to emerge. All way ahead of the listed times. I could not be more pleased at this early stage

All 3 of mine have sprouted and I only used 3 seeds in each pot…the Rosewood has grown as I discovered this morning while watering….there is 3 small sprouts under the top layer of soil! I didn’t use a heating mat but I did place all three of these under a grow light.The seeds and materials are great. Bonsai’s require a lot more attention than other easy grow plants. Follow the directions and if you put a few minutes in every morning and spray the soil with conditioned or distilled water they will grow. They’re not a set it and forget it type plant. The effort is up to you!

I don’t necessarily dislike this set - but it’s essentially turning into a purchase of four bags of seeds and a set of mini shears. You can probably throw the rest out.The cute little burlap like bags? Not practical. They tell you to plant a few seeds in each bag. My seeds seemed to work well. All of the Rosewoods germinated as well as the Blue Spruce. I see some Black Spruce coming up in their bag. No flame trees yet, but I’m giving them more time and then I’ll try again.But if you follow the directions you will end up with several little seedlings in each “pot”. They will start crowding each other out and roots tangling, so you want to deal with it before then. Depending on the resource you look at there are two paths. One of the Garden Republic pages says just grow one of them and chop off the smaller trees. I actually wanted multiple trees though, that’s why I bought this set. So I had to transplant them, and they weren’t old enough for that level of stress. I did that tonight. Hope they survive.The dirt that comes with it seems ok. It’s a dehydrated seed starter mix. Can’t really say if it’s any better or worse than the others.If I had to start this all over I would throw out everything but the seeds and the shears. Maybe keep the wooden box as it’s cute and handy. Then I would buy some seed starting soil and something like the Burpee Superseed 16XL. I’d fill the Burpee cells with a good seed starting mix, then plant four of each seed in rows.Then they wouldn’t have to be transplanted as soon and they would be a lot easier to get out of the Burpee than those silly bags.

They all came intact and a cute set. Was given as a gift.

Disappointed to say the least. As a Greenhouse owner, I couldn't get one single seed to germinate in the required amount of time called for each type of tree. The soil included isn't very good either, suggest getting your own peat moss soil for growth. Lesson learned.

It’s a great product. Easy to take care of and will make a great gift in the future.