Bonsai Starter Kit – Jacaranda

Brand: Mr Fothergill’s

Botanical Name: Jacaranda mimosifolia

Growing bonsai from seed is a very rewarding experience, giving you 100% control from the earliest stages of growth. With this handy kit, you’ll have everything you need to grow your very own Blue Jacaranda bonsai tree at home – a perfect choice for less experienced gardeners to start on their bonsai-growing journey.

The Blue Jacaranda is a showstopper, with gorgeous purple-blue flowers that add elegance to any collection. As a bonsai, Blue Jacaranda will need trimming to maintain its shape. A light prune will help it stay neat and encourage more branching for a fuller, healthier tree.

This bonsai seed kit includes four biodegradable pots, soil pellets, Blue Jacaranda seeds, and a growing manual with comprehensive instructions.

How to Grow

1.Hydrate your peat pellet with water
2.Sow your bonsai seeds
3.Place in a sunny position
4.Water when necessary

For comprehensive instructions, refer to the instructions booklet included in your kit.

Jacaranda Bonsai Growing Tips

Commonly referred to as Blue Jacaranda, Jacaranda mimosifolia is a surprisingly hardy deciduous tree. This subtropical species originating from South America is now grown all across Australia and makes a striking bonsai specimen, particularly when the masses of violet flowers emerge in the spring and summer.

Due to their preference for a subtropical climate, jacaranda is relatively easy to germinate in comparison to other types of bonsai. The woody, oval-shaped seed pods begin to appear after the flowering season and hang from the trees or fall to the ground. Inside these exterior pods are the light, papery seeds.

The ideal planting time is in spring and autumn when it is neither too cold nor too hot. Jacaranda germinates best in temperatures of about 20-24°C and can take two to three weeks to sprout. Mature trees will slow down their growth in the winter, dropping most of their leaves. For winter sowing of your bonsai, we recommend sowing pots indoors inside a mini greenhouse to keep the soil warmer, which will mimic their natural growing season.

Additional Tips

• Soak your jacaranda seeds in a shallow dish of water overnight prior to planting, and then continue with your sowing instructions.
• Check your pots daily, particularly in warmer weather, as they must be monitored for moisture. When dry, the medium will turn a light brown colour, which indicates that it needs more water. Choose a fine shower setting on your hose, as strong water pressure may wash away the small seeds.
• Place your pots in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight to begin with. Direct sunlight may dry out your potting soil quite quickly, which can lead to a reduction in germination rates.

What’s included in a bonsai starter kit?

A bonsai starter kit typically includes jacaranda seeds along with essential growing components to help you get started. This usually covers seed raising materials and basic instructions to guide you through germination and early care. It’s designed to make growing your own bonsai accessible, even for beginners.

How to grow jacaranda bonsai from seed

To grow a jacaranda bonsai from seed, sow the seeds on the surface of moist seed raising mix and lightly press them in. Keep the soil evenly moist and place the container in a warm, bright position out of direct sunlight. Once seedlings appear and develop a few true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into a small pot. As the plant grows, regular pruning and shaping will help develop the classic bonsai form.

How to care for jacaranda bonsai

Jacaranda bonsai prefer a bright position with plenty of indirect light. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid letting the pot sit in water. During the growing season, occasional feeding will support healthy growth. Pruning helps maintain shape and encourages branching, while repotting every couple of years keeps roots healthy and contained.