Question
hi there
im interested in bonsai and with cutting have made some successful ones but i want to try from seed, this will sound like a silly question but i cant find a good answer whats the best easiest way to grow a tree seed, if it matters the trees are dawn redwood and Chinese elm, id appreciate a response and any other advice that may help me
thanks
ian

Answer
Hi Ian,
Thanx for your question.  Your questions are not silly.  I think you will need to cold-stratify your tree seeds.  Most deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves in the winter) have seeds that require a cold period in order to break their dormancy.  Until dormancy is broken, the seeds will not germinate.  You can break dormancy naturally, by planting a seed in a pot and leaving it outdoors during the winter, making sure it is regularly watered.  You can do it articially by planting seeds in a pot and sealing it in a plastic baggie and placing it in a refrigerator (not freezer) for about 90 days.  This should break the dormancy and once the pot of seeds has been removed from the cold environment and placed in a warm environment (70-75F) the seeds should begin to germinate within a couple of weeks.  Allow the seedlings to produce a few sets of true leaves before gently pricking them out and planting them in separate pots.  

I hope this helps.
Tom