How to Begin Seedling Formation (Part I)

Seedling obtained through sowing

Let's assume we have a seedling obtained from sowing. From late autumn to early spring, we prune the top, leaving 3-4 well-developed buds.

After pruning, the remaining buds will start to grow new shoots. We allow the new shoots to develop freely for one growing season. In the following season, we prune the top and the end of the branch that grows significantly longer. After 3-4 years, we will have a seedling with a relatively well-developed crown (branches grow in various directions, the trunk thickens to a certain size, and the roots develop well). This will allow us to start shaping the plant in the desired style. An experienced specialist already knows in advance what style the future bonsai will be, while beginners should proceed based on how the pruned shoots will develop. It is possible to give the plant a few years of free growth and only then begin its shaping. The same steps should be taken when the seedling is obtained by cutting.
It is recommended to use a seedling obtained from sowing for making small-sized bonsais. Making medium or large-sized bonsais will take considerably more time.

Purchased seedling

A plant bought from a nursery is a few years old and already has a certain number of well-developed branches. After purchase, the seedling must be carefully inspected to determine the size and style of the future bonsai, and to decide which side will be the front or viewing side. In choosing the front view, large roots (future bonsai’s surface roots) often play a decisive role. In nurseries, plants are usually sold in plastic containers. Remove the plant from the container and carefully start removing soil from the surface until the large roots are visible. Use a trowel, pointed stick, or small brush to remove the soil. Cut off any small roots above the large ones. It is rare for large roots to be evenly distributed around the trunk. Therefore, it is desirable to choose the viewing side where the large roots are most naturally and beautifully arranged. Inspecting the seedling and, most importantly, determining the future form usually takes a considerable amount of time—several hours or even a week. Never rush; carefully considering the future bonsai form is crucial to achieving the desired result. Once everything is well thought out, we begin pruning the seedling.

The initial pruning allows us to create the bonsai's primary "skeleton," the basic shape upon which further formation will occur. Initially, we prune all unnecessary large branches on the plant and shorten the remaining branches to the desired size.