Bonsai Seed Testers

Thank you again for participating in our new Bonsai seed tests!

For those unfamiliar with our products, we offer kits to help you discover new hobbies based on Japanese arts. One of our favorite products is the Bonsai Box and its Deluxe version. These include everything you need to try growing Bonsai from seed: pots, soil, waterproof labels, seed packets, and instructions.

Knowing that seed germination is not a perfect science, we try to find those that will have the highest germination rate, grow best and fastest in our Canadian interiors.

You have received two types of seeds to test, the steps to germinate these are:

  1. Soaking: Soak them in water for 24 hours.
  2. Stratification: Place them in the refrigerator wrapped in a paper towel in a sealed Ziploc bag - this is called stratification, you can learn more in this article. Not all seeds need stratification, check the table below to see if yours do. For those that do, take half of the seeds provided and plant them directly, then stratify the other half, and don't forget to set a reminder in your calendar!
  3. Planting: Plant them in well-moistened soil - if possible soil without perlite - white balls in the soil that retain water.
  4. Watering: Sprinkle with water every day, the soil should never dry out completely during the germination period.
  5. Germination: Take a photo as soon as you see the first shoots appear and note the date.
  6. Return Test A: Send us the photo, the date and your answers to the following questions by email (info@ikigai-box.com)
    1. How did you find the instructions? (easy, complicated) Would you have preferred a different format? (YouTube video, podcast, 1 email per step, etc.)
    2. How many seeds germinated and how many did you plant (approximately)?
    3. How long does it take from planting until the first shoots appear?
    4. Did you stratify the seeds?
    5. Attach photos.
  7. Growth : Take a photo once a week.
  8. Return Test B: Send us your answers to the following questions by email (info@ikigai-box.com)
    1. How is the growth going? (Slow, fast, has the number of shoots appearing changed much since you first came back)
    2. How much care do you give them? (water, light, etc.)
    3. Attach photos.
  9. Repotting : When you see your shoots slowing down their growth, that there is almost no evolution from week to week, repot each shoot individually in a pot. Here is an article on repotting and you can also find a video at the last step of our Bonsai Box Instructions .
  10. Return Test C : Send us your answers to the following questions by email (info@ikigai-box.com).
    1. When did you decide to repot your seedlings? (date and photo)
    2. How did the repotting go? Were the instructions clear?
    3. How many shoots survived repotting? (photo if possible).
Seed Name Soaking time and water heat Stratification Planting depth Detailed tree page
Apple tree ( Malus pumila ) 24h room temperature water 60 days in the refrigerator 1 to 2 cm deep Apple tree (Malus Pumila)
Katsura ( Cercidiphyllum japonicum ) 24h hot water None A few millimeters deep Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
Eastern Redbug ( Cercis canadensis ) 24h hot water 60 days in the refrigerator 1 cm deep Eastern Redbug (Cercis canadensis)
European Aspen ( Populus tremula) 12h room temperature water None On the surface European Aspen (Populus tremula )

If you have any questions, please feel free to fill out the form below.

FAQ

How does the Bonsai Box work?

A complete user manual with video is available online. You can also contact us by email at info@ikigai-box.com or in the form above if you have any questions.

How can I contact you?

📬 You can write to us via our contact form on the website or directly at info@ikigaibox.com . We respond within 24 business hours.

What carriers do you use for deliveries?

Our carriers are Canada Post, UPS and Purolator for Classic and Deluxe Bonsai Boxes. Standard delivery of 3 to 9 business days is available.

For lamps and scissors, we have some in Quebec but for those that come from our warehouse abroad, the delays can be 7 to 21 days.

I made a mistake in my order. Can I get a refund?

Contact us as soon as possible at info@ikigai-box.com.

  • If the order is not sent we can refund you in full.
  • If the order is sent, please return the product to us in perfect condition. The return costs are your responsibility.

What are the delivery times?

For the Classic and Deluxe Bonsai Boxes, delivery times are between 3 and 9 working days. During the holidays we do our best to be as fast as possible.

For other products in our store, our inventory is located overseas and can therefore take between 7 and 21 days.

What should I do if my order arrives damaged?

Contact us as soon as possible with a photo of the damaged item. We will find a quick solution, such as a replacement or refund.

Do you ship internationally?

We are based on the south shore of Montreal, Quebec. We currently ship to Canada and the United States.

Contact us at info@ikigai-box.com or through the form below for a different country.

Do Bonsai Seeds Go Bad?

Our seeds are harvested in Canada, more precisely in Ontario. They are all less than 12 months old.

Seeds usually expire after 3 years. There is no harm in trying to germinate them afterward.

How can I learn more about each type of Bonsai?

Here are detailed pages on each type of tree, with maintenance advice: