I am just starting out in bonsai. I would like to grow some trees from
seeds. I purchased some acer palmatum, Chinese zelkova, and giant sequoia
seeds. The instructions for the maple say to cold stratify for 120 days. If
I start this process now what should I do for the first winter? Will they
survive outside with the proper protection or should they stay inside? I
could keep them in my garage which won't go below about 40*. Also, I've read
that giant sequoia are difficult to grow. Why is that and what special care
do they need? Can I start all the seeds in bonsai soil? I made a mixture
today of fir bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss following the recommendations
of Brent Walston on www.evergreengardenworks.com I've been reading
everything I can on the internet, but haven't found these answers. I
attended the RI Bonsai Society exhibit today, and also became a member. I
signed up for their workshop too, but that won't be for a couple of weeks.
I'll wait until then before I start working with existing trees.

Thanks
Dante
RI - Zone 6

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