How to Grow Chinese Junipers From Seeds
- 1. Gather Chinese juniper seeds in late autumn once the fruit ripens to a dark, silvery purple color and the flesh yields to slight pressure. Gather the fruit in a bucket.
- 2. Pour water into the bucket until the Chinese juniper fruit is completely submerged. ...
- 3. Scrape off the flesh and damaged seeds floating on the surface of the water. ...
- After scarification, place seeds in sandwich bag(s) with a bit of damp sand or vermiculite to keep moist.
- Warm stratify for 60 days.
- Next cold stratify. ...
- After the required time take the seeds out of the refrigerator and sow the seeds in pots 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly.
How do you propagate a Chinese juniper tree?
They are best propagated from cuttings, although Chinese junipers will also grow from freshly cleaned and pretreated seeds.
How do you germinate juniper seeds?
Growing juniper from seeds requires a significant investment of time. The seeds must be prepared for months before they can be planted in soil outdoors. Rinse the seeds with water and place them in a moistened medium within a semisealed container to stratify them. The medium can be wet sand or peat moss.
Can you grow Juniperus chinensis bonsai from seed?
It is possible to grow a Juniperus chinensis bonsai from seed or cuttings. However, a period of cold stratification is required for the seed. It’s slow to germinate due to its hard seed coat. Soaking the seed for 3 – 6 seconds in boiling water is recommended to speed up the germination process.
How much sun does a Chinese juniper need?
Chinese juniper grows best in full sun. It prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This plant is tolerant of many different soil types, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils. It does best in average garden soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Good soil drainage is critical.
How to grow Chinese Juniper?
How long does it take for Chinese Juniper seeds to germinate?
How to get rid of a swollen seed?
Do Chinese junipers grow from cuttings?
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How long does it take for a juniper to grow from seed?
It's technically possible to grow juniper from seed, but it's not recommended. Planting by seed requires up to four years before you'll have a shrub you can transplant, and the process isn't easy. Germination is unreliable, and the seeds require a lengthy stratification period.
How do you plant juniper seeds?
Planting Juniper Seeds Plant the seeds 1/2 inch deep in peat-based potting mix in a container with drain holes. You can also plant them outdoors in a sunny or partially shady spot in the spring or summer. Add sphagnum peat moss to the soil at the planting site to provide an acidic pH.
How do you grow juniper bonsai from seed?
0:3413:00Growing Bonsai from Seed - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs any point at which the seeds get too dry could be the end of it for those seeds. So make sureMoreAs any point at which the seeds get too dry could be the end of it for those seeds. So make sure they have a little bit of moisture. And after a couple weeks you'll start seeing little seedlings.
How long does a Chinese juniper take to grow?
two yearsChinese Juniper also transplants easily. Propagation requires both male and female trees (dioecious); male pollen cones are catkin-like while female plants have light blue seed cones that take the form of a fleshy berry. These take two years to mature and become violet-brown to black.
Is juniper easy to grow?
Juniper is low maintenance and easy to grow. The plants need full sun and a well-drained soil. These drought-tolerant plants do not like wet soil. They can suffer if overwatered.
Is juniper hard to grow?
Junipers thrive in the most difficult situations, including sandy soils, alkaline conditions and windswept sites. Some species will even tolerate salty roadside and seaside situations. New plants need regular water during the first season, but once they're established, they will tolerate drought extremely well.
Why do you put bonsai seeds in the fridge?
Putting seeds in the fridge is a way to trick seeds into experiencing winter. Many seeds from temperate regions need to experience a long cold period before sprouting. This is a natural system that stops seeds from germinating and entering winter at the same time.
Do you have to soak bonsai seeds?
Bonsai seeds will need to be "prepared" before sowing in the soil. Stratification is an important step! This is done by soaking the seeds in water, or placing them between layers of wet paper towel, and soaking them.
How do you germinate seeds?
0:202:59Fast & Easy Seed Germination: How to Start Seedlings from Paper Towel ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou could place them on a heating mat or near a heat source like a wood stove radiator or furnaceMoreYou could place them on a heating mat or near a heat source like a wood stove radiator or furnace vent do the seeds need light for germination. Get a little grow light or just use a bright windowsill.
How do you propagate Chinese junipers?
0:471:49TWO MINUTE TIPS Juniper Propagation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I did is I put it in a bucket of water and I put some kaelin rooting hormone in there andMoreSo what I did is I put it in a bucket of water and I put some kaelin rooting hormone in there and let it sit for a day and then what.
Do Chinese junipers grow fast?
Juniperus chinensis "Hetzii Columnaris" is a mid-sized tree with a narrow, columnar shape. This fast-growing tree grows to a maximum height of about 15 feet and thrives in USDA zones 4 through 9.
How big do Chinese junipers get?
15–20 feet tallIt is a dense, evergreen, small tree with a pyramidal habit that typically grows 15–20 feet tall. It features light to medium green, mostly scale-like foliage that is attractive year-round.
How long does it take to grow juniper berries?
Juniper seeds/berries ripen over 2 to 3 years [2]. First they will produce a flower and then eventually a berry, this process takes a whole year. In the second year, the berry stays hard and green in colour.
How do you propagate junipers?
Prepare a Pot With Fertilizer and Soil. ... Select and Cut Juniper Stems. ... Dip Cuttings in Rooting Hormone. ... Plant Cuttings in Prepared Pot. ... Cover Pot With Plastic. ... Provide Sunlight and Water. ... Wait Until Summer. ... Transplant Rooted Cuttings.More items...
What did Native Americans use juniper for?
Native people in North America used juniper extensively, and many still do today. For instance, Apache tribes used various species to relieve seizures, for colds and coughs, and to aid in childbirth. Cree people used it to lower a fever, to ease lung infections and toothaches, and to relieve kidney troubles.
How do you start a Blue Rug juniper?
The Blue Rug Juniper is a very low-maintenance groundcover shrub. Plant the Juniper in full sun with well-drained acidic soil. Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart to allow for a dense coverage that will prevent weeds from peeking through.
How Long Does It Take To Grow Juniper Berries?
The length it takes for a Juniper tree to develop berries differs from species to species. For the most part, it could take up to 18 months for the berries to mature and develop seeds. You may have to wait about two seasons before you can perform any harvesting.
Are Junipers Easy To Grow?
As bonsai trees, Junipers are possibly the easiest to grow, even for beginners. They can withstand most conditions, and you won’t need to be as careful with them as with other species. However, they can be tricky to grow from seeds or cuttings, and you’ll need to take extra measures to ensure that they’ll survive.
Where do Chinese Juniper trees grow?
Chinese juniper ( Juniperus chinensis) is an adaptable evergreen plant that’s native to countries in East Asia. In the wild, it’s often seen as a cone-shaped tree ...
What is a Chinese Juniper?
Chinese juniper ( Juniperus chinensis) is an adaptable evergreen plant that’s native to countries in East Asia. In the wild, it’s often seen as a cone-shaped tree that can exceed 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Its prickly, dark green needles remain attractive year-round. Many varieties have berry-like fruit in the late summer and fall, which tends to attract birds. Chinese juniper has become a popular ornamental landscape shrub or tree and has more than 100 cultivars. Some shrubs are even pruned into pompoms to add visual interest to a garden. It is generally best planted in the fall, but in regions that experience harsh winters, consider planting in early spring.
How tall does a gold lace juniper grow?
Gold Lace Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Gold Lace'): This is a compact shrub with golden foliage, growing only to around three to four feet tall with a little wider spread.
How to make a pompom out of juniper?
If you're looking to form pompom shapes out of a Chinese juniper shrub, some people opt to fashion a circular guide for themselves out of wires. You also can find pre-made guides at garden centers for this purpose. Simply place the guide over your plant, and remove the foliage outside of it.
What type of soil does a sage plant like?
This plant is tolerant of many different soil types, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils. It does best in average garden soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Good soil drainage is critical. Slow-draining soil can cause root rot and other issues for the plant.
How to grow a sage plant in a container?
If you’ve purchased a container plant, dig a hole roughly as deep as its root ball and twice as wide . Place the plant in the hole at the same level it was growing in the container, and firmly pack soil around it. Then, water it thoroughly.
Can Chinese Juniper handle cold?
Chinese juniper can handle temperature fluctuations within its growing zones, and certain varieties have even more cold tolerance than others. The plant also is tough in both humid and dry conditions, as long as its roots aren’t sitting in soggy soil.
How high can juniper grow?
According to the Canadian "Trees for Life" organization, juniper is known to grow at altitudes of up to 3,500 meters. Growing juniper from seeds requires a significant investment of time.
Where do Juniper berries grow?
Juniper is a small, bushy conifer that grows in many countries with cold climates, including Canada and Iceland. It produces dark-blue berries that contain small seeds and can grow at a variety of elevations.
How to grow a sage plant from seed?
Moisten the seed bed, and remove weeds for a year or two until the small seedlings emerge. Once they begin to grow above ground level, only apply water to the bed when the soil around the roots is dry. Transplant the seedlings to a permanent location once they reach 8 to 10 inches in height.
How to stratify seeds?
Rinse the seeds with water and place them in a moistened medium within a semisealed container to stratify them. The medium can be wet sand or peat moss.
How to stratify juniper seeds?
Fill half of a resealable sandwich bag with moist peat moss or sand. Seal the seeds in the bag and lightly shake it. Place the bag in a warm area, such as the top of the refrigerator, at 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the medium periodically and mist it with water from spray bottle to keep it consistently moist. Stratification duration varies by species -- some juniper species may require 60 days of warm stratification, while others may need 120 days.
How to grow blue rug juniper from seed?
Fill a seed-raising tray with moist peat moss or sand up to one-half inch from the top. Tamp down the medium so it's firm in the tray and keep it moist throughout the germination period. Sow the blue rug juniper seeds at an equal depth as their diameter. Stretch plastic wrap over the tray to promote soil moisture retention.
How to soften juniper berries?
Soften the Berries. Add 1 teaspoon of sodium hydroxide to 1 gallon of water. Place the juniper berries in the solution to soften the fleshy outer coating. Allow them to soak for one to two days before rinsing them with water and letting them air dry.
How long does it take for juniper to stratify?
Moisten the peat moss or sand as needed. Depending on the juniper species, cold stratification may take anywhere from 90 to 120 days.
What family is Juniper?
How to Germinate Juniper Seeds. Juniper (Juniperus) is a genus that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. These evergreen trees and low-growing shrubs grow seed-filled fruit and green, gray, blue or yellow foliage.
How to keep a sage seed moist?
Check the medium periodically and mist it with water from spray bottle to keep it consistently moist.
When to transplant a sage seed?
Transplant the seedlings to individual containers when they're large enough to handle, or transplant them outside in spring, after the last frost date in your area.
Where do junipers grow?
Native to the cool, temperature climates of the northern hemisphere, common junipers (Juniperus communis) have a nearly complete circumpolar distribution - occurring naturally throughout parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. This makes the common juniper one of the most widely distributed shrubs in the world.
How long do juniper seeds need to be kept in airtight container?
Common juniper seeds require cold- stratification in order to germinate and must be kept in an airtight container at 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 120 days prior to planting.
What are the common diseases of junipers?
Watch out for diseases such as juniper blight, twig blight, and cedar apple rust - all of which can be handled with prompt and aggressive pruning. Common pests of the common juniper include bagworms, juniper scale, aphids, and more.
What color are juniper leaves?
They are characterized by needle-like, aromatic leaves and berry-like green cones that turn a deep purple/blue as they ripen. Common junipers have many different practical uses. In their native regions, the berries are enjoyed by many different species of birds and wildlife and are utilized by humans too.
What are the pests that eat juniper?
Common pests of the common juniper include bagworms, juniper scale, aphids, and more. Checking the shrub over semi-annually for signs of pests and using an insecticide when needed should keep any major infestations under control. Read More.
How tall is a common juniper?
These hardy conifers are variable in form, typically depending on where they are located. They range from a tall, tree-like form that can reach up to 50 feet tall, ...
How cold can junipers get?
At their maximum, common junipers can withstand winter temperatures as low as -45 degrees Celsius (or -49 degrees Fahrenheit), and may frequently experience summer temperatures as high as 30 degrees Celsius (or 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Common junipers grow well in USDA zones 2 through 7.
What type of soil should I use for a juniper plant?
For rooting Juniper, soil based on peat is best. It must be sterile without fungi. You can buy soil for seedlings at the supermarket.
How long does it take to water a Juniper plant?
Watering can be done in 2-3 days after. The next thing you need to do is place the cuttings in the greenhouse. If you do not use the greenhouse, rooting will fail. I had an experience of rooting Juniper without a greenhouse, but the number of rooted plants was 1-2%. So use the greenhouse anyway.
How to take cuttings off a tree?
Take the cuttings off the main branch in a sharp motion. On the opposite end should remain “heel”. In the photo above, you can see how the cuttings should look. It should have enough needles on one side and a “heel” on the other.
What should the humidity be in a greenhouse?
The humidity in the greenhouse should be in the range of 80-100%. The air temperature should be approximately 68 ° F. The greenhouse should also be shaded. You can use a shading grid to do this.
Can Juniper be rooted in summer?
Do not try to root Juniper in summer, especially in Jul y. It is too hot at this time, and you will not be able to provide the right conditions. All my attempts to root at this time failed. Also, I do not recommend rooting in winter. I once tried to root Juniper and thuja in the basement in the winter.
When to root a sage?
The second favorable period for rooting is the end of September or the beginning of October. At this time, the plants are no longer growing, and the young growth is ripe. Before the first frost cuttings, in most cases will form the root system.
Can I root a Juniper tree in the winter?
Also, I do not recommend rooting in winter. I once tried to root Juniper and thuja in the basement in the winter. Humidity and temperature were appropriate. However, it was too dark there, so I installed the backlight.
How often should I fertilize a Chinese Juniper Bonsai tree?
Treat the Chinese Juniper Bonsai tree with fertilized roughly once every three weeks. Use a fertilizer with a high level of nitrogen in Spring. In Summer, a more balanced fertilizer will work best. During Autumn, use a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and no fertilizer while dormant in Winter.
How much sunlight does a Juniper Bonsai need?
Your Juniperus chinensis requires at least four to six hours of direct and full sunlight every day. It is best to place it outside in a bright spot exposed with lots of sunlight and is exposed to the afternoon shade in the day. If kept inside all the time, place the Chinese Juniper Bonsai in an area with a lot of direct sunlight and enough air.
What temperature does a bonsai juniper turn in winter?
In Winter, you need to ensure that your Chinese Juniper Bonsai is not exposed to temperatures below -10 degrees C or 14F. The foliage color of some Juniper species changes to a purplish brown in Winter. This is due to their natural frost protection mechanism, and in the Spring, the foliage color turns back to green again.
What are the diseases that can be found on juniper bonsai trees?
The most common pests and diseases affecting juniper bonsai trees are Abiotic Maladies which are caused by extreme weather conditions, poor growing or cultivating conditions or the presence of other pests. Other pests that can infest your Chinese Juniper Bonsai tree are Mites, Scales, and Aphids. These occur when the foliage pads are too thick or the tree not receiving enough light, especially during Winter.
What is the color of Chinese Juniper?
Chinese Juniper bonsais have dark green foliage. The bark is brown, and when mature, the stems peel in strips.
How much sun does a bonsai tree need?
The Chinese Juniper Bonsai tree prefers full sun for at least six hours a day. Place it where it is in the shade in the afternoons. It does not mind temperature fluctuations and some variants handle extreme cold well.
How often should I water a Chinese Juniper bonsai?
Young Chinese Juniper Bonsai trees need to be kept moist but not waterlogged. The water needs to drain fast. Young plants can be watered once or twice a week to maintain soil moisture, but you need to monitor this depending on the tree’s location. If the tree is kept outside, you might have to water more.
How to grow Chinese Juniper?
Sow the Chinese juniper seeds two inches apart. Gently press them into the surface until they are halfway buried. Cover them with a 1/4-inch-thick layer of compost and a thin layer of pine needle mulch.
How long does it take for Chinese Juniper seeds to germinate?
Watch for germination in spring once nighttime temperatures stay above freezing for three to four weeks. Transplant the Chinese juniper seedlings into individual 4-inch containers filled with garden soil once they grow to 1 inch in height.
How to get rid of a swollen seed?
Scrape off the flesh and damaged seeds floating on the surface of the water. Drain off the water. Scoop out the seeds that sank to the bottom. Place them in a shallow bowl.
Do Chinese junipers grow from cuttings?
They are best propagated from cuttings, although Chinese junipers will also grow from freshly cleaned and pretreated seeds. Despite sufficient processing, Chinese juniper seeds sometimes take one full year to successfully sprout and are subject to a high rate of failure if exposed to hot temperatures, so it is advisable to keep the seeds cool and moist to ensure the best outcome.
Taxonomy
Uses
- Needled evergreens are typically valued most for their foliage, despite the fact that the leaves may not actually be green. The chief selling point of Blue Pfitzer Chinese juniper, before any pruning is done, is its blue-green foliage, although it is not as deep a blue color as that on Blue Star juniper. People who grow pom-pom bushes often do so with the intent of featuring them as specimen pl…
Cultivation
- This type of Chinese juniper shrub gets to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a similar spread. Planting zones 49 are suitable for Chinese juniper shrubs, which are indigenous to eastern Asia.
Culture
- Chinese junipers are rugged, but even the toughest of plants will perform better with the proper encouragement from you. Grow your shrubs in full sun for best results. While they will tolerate some drought once mature and established, young plants should be supplied with a moderate amount of water by the homeowner during dry periods. It is best to ...
Variations
- Some people fashion a rough circular guide for themselves out of wires. Such frameworks are also sold by high-end garden centers. This wire framework is then put in place prior to shearing, and all foliage sticking out from the framework is removed.
Preparation
- But you do not need to be that fussy about the operation if you are not a perfectionist. Instead, you could simply eyeball it and just shear away. The bushes are very amenable to shaping (and forgiving of slight mistakes), so if you cut a bit too much away in one instance, just give the plant a little time to correct your mistake. Try to remember to shear three or four times per year, at lea…
Terminology
- In addition to what one refers to as the \"pom-pom\" shaping done on Blue Pfitzer junipers, you will hear other, similar terms used. For example, you will hear talk of \"poodling\" a bush (or a \"poodled\" shrub). Likewise, the Japanese speak of as \"cloud pruning.\"
Criticism
- The fact that these creations require more skill than shearing a shrub does probably account for why people are less likely to scoff at them but none of these shapes are \"natural.\" Indeed, landscaping by its very nature is artificial, the only natural plantings being those found growing in the wild.