Giant Seqouia

[stacy]

Ok I've realized that I have way too much time on my hands, being a golf course superintendent and the course being under snow, but I have another question. Has anyone here dabbled in giant seqouia as bonsai. I purchased a seed kit in Disney Land and realize that this is not a good way to start, but there are many sources for seedlings and even 4 and 5 year old trees. To me the idea of growing the earth's largest living thing as a bonsai sounds too good to not atleast give it a shot. Man I hope I can be as enthusiastic about my new hobby in the middle of summer when I'm working 70 hours a week. Anyway if anyone can let me know if they have any info it would be appreciated. I have been talking to a guy in the Sierra Mts. about possibly purchasing some trees. Thanx.

[iamurthman]

Hi stacy. there are two main types of Redwoods, and several varieties of these. The giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) are not popular bonsai subjects, I've got one and I know of a few others, but they're more like a collectors item, you just gotta have one. Most popular for bonsai is Sequoia sempervirens, the Coast Redwood. My Forest Farm catalog shows seven varieties. One is an interesting prostrate Coast Redwood (Cantab) that's horizonally spreading. I like the sound of the Soquel, too. It says: the smallest tree-form of the Coast Redwood has fine textured foliage in delicate hues of green which appears"soft and silky". I have a few of the regular Coast Redwoods, they're pretty easy to come by in sw Oregon, and they do make a fine bonsai, though none of mine are even close. The Forest Farm is about twenty miles from me (incredible place for a tree lover) but you can visit on the web at www.forestfarm.com. You'll find lots of bonsai suitable treesand other neat stuff (like dwarf pomegranate)

[emorrin]

Here is what I was able to dig up on this species:

Here is specifically on bonsais:

http://www.giant-sequoia.com/about-sequoia-trees/giant-sequoia-bonsai-care/

The home page with general info:

http://www.giant-sequoia.com/about-sequoia-trees/about-sequoia-trees/

I guess a mame specimen is out of the question. :P

[heavy]

I just received a Giant Sequoia by mistake. Lucky me! I'm not even sure if it will grow here. Oh well, I guess it being free, I can't go wrong. I'm gonna grow it for the first year in filtered sun under a tree. Shouldn't be much different than a seed sprouting on the forest floor. I will post progress as it grows (or dies).

[iamurthman]

I don't doubt it will grow well for you there, but I would be concerned about the trees required yearly dormancy to maintain continued health and growth. Best of luck

[Rachel]

(or dies)? that's not being very positive :angry: :lol:

[heavy]

I'm optimistic. Ya I worry about the warm winters. It's not very humid over here either also warm drying winds. So positive no.

[mikey012076]

Well you can always buy a refrigerator for it....:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[71HANTO]

heavy wrote:

I just received a Giant Sequoia by mistake. Lucky me! I'm not even sure if it will grow here. Oh well, I guess it being free, I can't go wrong. I'm gonna grow it for the first year in filtered sun under a tree. Shouldn't be much different than a seed sprouting on the forest floor. I will post progress as it grows (or dies).

Think of the GIANTS as wild animals. They will do OK for a while in captivity if strict rules on replicating the wild for them are followed. I live in a unique area 3/4 of a mile from the Pacific Ocean. Just 5 miles inland can be 30 degrees hotter and have 50% less humidity on the same day and time. The GIANTS take special soil and CAN NOT be pruned and wired as traditional bonsai trees are. They will end up like you see in the first set of pictures. THE SECRET, though not satisfying as a manicured bonsai, is to top it to size then trim WHOLE branches ONLY. If you pinch it back the traditional way, BYE, BYE... and out of control:evil:

The next set of pictures are of the only THRIVING, HEALTHY Giant Seqouia bonsai forest you have ever seen or will likely ever see again. Why? They will do well only under near perfect conditions. Sorry... 90 % chance your tree will tank on you and when I move to Texas, mine will tank on me... Don't waste your $$$ on these exotic relics. If you don't have perfect conditions, they are like keeping junipers indoors. Go Coastals instead. The Giants don't like humans....

71HANTO

[IMG size=500]http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj72/71hanto/Bonsai%20Trees/DSC06893.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG size=500]http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj72/71hanto/Bonsai%20Trees/GiantSequiaTop.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG size=500]http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj72/71hanto/Bonsai%20Trees/GiantSequoiaForest7-4-09.jpg[/IMG]

With my own special soil blend and perfect conditions...picture was taken today and overdue for another branch thinning...I hold my breath each time I touch this thing :sick:<br><br>Post edited by: 71HANTO, at: 2009/07/12 08:14

[71HANTO]

Progression and update...the first photo is the first day of the Sequoia forest as planted. 5-14-09