The Bonsai Journey™ | ROUGE ‘N’ LOVE
How to Grow Blue Jacaranda from Seed
Jacaranda mimosifolia
From a tiny seed to a tree of extraordinary character.
Blue Jacaranda is admired for its delicate, fern-like foliage and striking clusters of violet-blue, trumpet-shaped flowers. Native to South America, it is a fast-growing tree in suitable conditions, with slender branches and greyish-brown bark that becomes rougher with age.
Growing Jacaranda from seed is a gradual process. This guide takes you through the warm-water preparation, sowing, germination, and the care your young tree needs as it develops.
01 — MEET YOUR TREE
Meet Your Tree
Blue Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) is native to South America. It is known for its finely divided, fern-like leaves, slender slightly zigzagging twigs, and clusters of violet-blue flowers, usually seen in spring and early summer in suitable climates.
In nature, it can reach around 15 metres tall. As a bonsai, its size and shape can be guided over time, but flowering is not guaranteed and may take years. The first priority when growing from seed is to raise a healthy, well-established young tree.
02 — BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Before You Begin
Your Bonsai Journey™ kit includes the following items:
- Bonsai Seeds in Four Varieties, including Your Blue Jacaranda Seeds
- Four Biodegradable Peat Pots
- Coco Coir Growing Block
- Four Transparent Propagation Bags
- Bonsai Planting Tools
- Bonsai Pruning Scissors
- Bonsai Training Wire
- Four Botanical Plant Markers
- Three Mini Fertilizers
- The Bonsai Journey™ — Botanical Notes
Everything included to begin your bonsai growing journey.
You will also need a small container for soaking the seeds and access to clean, warm water.
When to Start Growing
Spring generally offers favourable conditions for seed germination, thanks to longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. However, you can start your seeds indoors at other times of the year, provided you maintain suitable light, warmth, and moisture. Keep in mind that limited daylight and cooler conditions may slow germination and early growth.
03 — PREPARE YOUR SEEDS
Prepare Your Seeds
Step 1 — Soak in Warm Water
Place your Blue Jacaranda seeds in warm water and leave them to soak for 24–48 hours. Use warm—not hot or boiling—water. If practical, refresh the water every few hours to help maintain its warmth.
No Cold Stratification Needed
Blue Jacaranda seeds require a warm-water soak of 24–48 hours before planting, but they do not require cold stratification. Once the soaking period is complete, drain the seeds and proceed to the sowing instructions below. Do not refrigerate the seeds as part of this preparation process.
04 — PLANT YOUR SEEDS
Plant Your Seeds
Step 1 — Prepare the Growing Medium
Place the included coco coir growing block in a container and gradually add water until it has fully expanded. Gently loosen the hydrated coir to create an even, loose texture. It should be moist but not waterlogged.
Helpful Tip: For improved aeration and drainage, you can optionally mix a small amount of horticultural perlite into the hydrated coco coir.
Step 2 — Prepare the Pots
Fill a biodegradable peat pot with the prepared growing medium, leaving a little space at the top. Keep the coir loose and avoid compressing it.
Important: Coco coir retains moisture but provides very few nutrients. Do not apply fertilizer during seed preparation or germination. Wait until your seedlings are established and actively growing before introducing suitable plant nutrition.
Step 2 — Sow the Seeds
Place the soaked seeds on the surface of the growing medium and cover them with approximately 5mm of medium. Avoid sowing them too deeply.
Where possible, space seeds apart so that young roots are less likely to become entangled as the seedlings develop.
Step 3 — Water Thoroughly
Water immediately after sowing. Continue until the medium is thoroughly saturated and water begins to drain from the bottom of the container. Allow the excess to drain away.
Keep the medium moist during germination, but do not leave the pot standing in water.
Step 4 — Add the Propagation Bag
Place a transparent propagation bag over the pot to help retain humidity. Make several small air holes in the sides to allow airflow.
Check the medium and bag regularly. If excessive condensation or mould develops, increase ventilation and make sure the medium is not waterlogged.
Step 5 — Choose a Warm, Bright Location
Maintain a temperature of 20–30°C (68–86°F) during germination and aim for 8–12 hours of light daily. Place the pot in a warm location with plenty of direct sunlight or in a greenhouse. A suitable grow light can supplement natural light when needed.
A clear bag can trap heat in direct sunlight. Monitor the temperature of the covered pot and move it out of intense sun if it begins to overheat. Aim to keep the seeds warm and well lit without allowing the medium to dry out.
05 — GERMINATION: WHAT TO EXPECT
Germination: What to Expect
Germination can take a couple of months or longer. Seeds may sprout at different times, so remain patient, maintain suitable growing conditions, and avoid discarding seeds too early.
While you wait:
- Keep the growing medium evenly moist, not waterlogged.
- Maintain suitable warmth and good light.
- Check the propagation bag for excessive condensation and ensure the air holes remain open.
- Avoid disturbing the seeds unnecessarily.
Patience Is Part of the Journey
Germination depends on seed viability and growing conditions, and not every seed is guaranteed to sprout. If growth is slow, check temperature, moisture, light, sowing depth, and ventilation before changing your approach.
06 — CARING FOR YOUR FIRST SEEDLINGS
Caring for Your First Seedlings
Once the seedlings emerge, focus on steady growth and gentle care while their roots and stems become established.
Gradually Remove the Propagation Bag
Keep the bag ventilated while it is in use. As the seedlings grow stronger, open it more frequently and remove it progressively so the plants can adjust to the surrounding air.
Provide Good Light
Give your seedlings plenty of light. Our general guidance recommends 8–12 hours of light daily; a suitable grow light can supplement natural light. Monitor young plants for signs of heat stress, particularly if they are still under a clear bag.
Water Carefully
Keep the growing medium from drying out completely, while avoiding waterlogging. Check the medium regularly and adjust watering to your conditions instead of following a fixed daily schedule.
Separate Seedlings Carefully
If several seedlings emerge close together, move them into individual pots once they are strong enough to tolerate the disturbance. Handle the young roots gently and avoid unnecessary root damage.
07 — FROM SEEDLING TO YOUNG TREE
From Seedling to Young Tree
As your Jacaranda grows, continue to provide suitable light, warmth, and moisture. Focus on healthy roots and steady development before starting detailed bonsai training.
Repotting
Repot your established Blue Jacaranda bonsai every two years in spring, using a lime-free, well-draining soil mix. For young seedlings, assess their growth and root development before repotting rather than following the mature-tree schedule.
When repotting is appropriate, handle the roots carefully and use a container with good drainage.
Build a Strong Foundation
Allow your young tree to become established before attempting advanced pruning or wiring. Strong roots and healthy growth come first.
08 — LONG-TERM CARE
Long-Term Care
Light and Temperature
Established Jacarandas need abundant light and are sensitive to frost, especially when young. They can remain outdoors year-round in warm, frost-free locations. Where cold or frost is a risk, protect the tree and bring container-grown plants into a suitable sheltered position.
Watering
During active growth, keep the growing medium consistently moist but never waterlogged. We recommend using lime-free water where possible. Allow excess water to drain freely, as prolonged dryness may cause the leaves to shrink, turn brown, and fall, while overwatering may cause yellowing and leaf drop.
Use rainwater, filtered water, or bottled water to hydrate your Japanese Maple, particularly if your tap water contains high levels of chlorine or dissolved minerals. Monitor the growing medium and your plant’s response to ensure the water you use is suitable.
Helpful Tip: Before watering, gently check the growing medium with your fingertip to assess its moisture level. Adjust your watering frequency to the growing conditions rather than following a fixed schedule. Keep the medium moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Feeding
Feed your established Blue Jacaranda bonsai with a balanced fertiliser diluted to half strength every two weeks during the growing season. Stop feeding in winter when the tree drops its leaves.
Do not apply fertilizer to newly sown seeds. Wait until a seedling is established and actively growing before introducing plant treatments, and follow the label for each product included in your kit. The products have different purposes and should not be assumed interchangeable.
Pruning and Shaping
For an established Blue Jacaranda bonsai, carry out most pruning in spring before the buds open. Trim new shoots once they develop four or five pairs of leaves, leaving one or two pairs. These techniques are intended for established trees, so allow your seedling to grow strong and become well established before beginning regular pruning.
For detailed guidance on bonsai training and the safe use of your training wire, refer to “When to Begin Bonsai Training” in the main The Bonsai Journey™ Growing Guide.
09 — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Blue Jacaranda seeds need cold stratification?
No. The seed-specific instructions call for a 24–48-hour warm-water soak and state that cold treatment is not required.
How long should I soak the seeds?
Soak them in warm water for 24–48 hours. Use warm, not boiling, water.
How deep should I sow the seeds?
Place the seeds on the growing medium and cover them with approximately 5mm of medium.
What growing medium should I use?
Use a nutrient-rich seed-starting mix, ideally a peat-based mix with perlite or a standard seed-starting soil/compost mix. Avoid garden soil. The kit’s coco coir can be blended with suitable seed-starting compost and perlite, which are additional materials.
What temperature do the seeds need?
Our general germination guidance recommends 20–30°C (68–86°F). Keep the covered pot warm but monitor it so heat does not build up excessively.
How much light should the seeds receive?
Aim for 8–12 hours of light daily. Place the pot in a warm location with plenty of direct sunlight or in a greenhouse. If using a transparent propagation bag, monitor the temperature regularly to prevent excessive heat build-up.
How long does germination take?
Germination can take a couple of months or longer. Maintain suitable growing conditions throughout this period and be patient, as germination times can vary.
How often should I water?
Keep the medium evenly moist during germination, but not waterlogged. Check it regularly and adjust watering to the conditions rather than following a fixed schedule.
Should I seal the propagation bag completely?
No. Make several small air holes in the sides to let air circulate while helping retain humidity.
What if some seeds float in water?
A floating seed is not necessarily non-viable. Our general growing guide advises against using the floating test alone to decide whether to discard a seed.
When should I separate the seedlings?
If several seedlings grow together, move them into individual pots once they are strong enough to tolerate being moved. Handle the young roots carefully.
When should I repot my Jacaranda?
Repot your established Blue Jacaranda bonsai approximately every two years in spring. For young seedlings, assess their growth and root development before repotting rather than following the mature-tree schedule.
Can my Jacaranda lose its leaves in winter?
Yes. Jacaranda is deciduous and may lose its leaves seasonally. However, leaf drop can also result from cold, watering problems, or a change in conditions, so check the plant’s environment rather than assuming every instance is seasonal.
When should I begin pruning and wiring?
Wait until your tree is established and growing strongly. Pruning instructions for established bonsai should not be applied to newly emerged seedlings.
Will every seed grow into a tree?
No. Germination and early survival are not guaranteed. Seed viability and growing conditions both affect the outcome.
How tall does Blue Jacaranda grow?
In natural conditions, Jacaranda mimosifolia can reach around 15 metres (50 feet). A bonsai is kept much smaller through its container and ongoing care.
THE BONSAI JOURNEY™
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