Is stratification compulsory for Chinese elm bonsai?

I got chinese elm bonsai seeds by online shopping(Genuine seller).
The package i got had instructions showing that
1.first we need to soak the seeds for 24hrs
2.Then place them in a pot,with bonsai soil mix.

Even though i thought of stratifying.. because of the instructions given,i have just planted the seeds in soil in this October with out stratification.
I'm now bit worried about their germination.
How much time should i wait for the seeds to germinate,(In general what is the germination time for chinese elm?)
I live in southern India! daily temperatures here are about 28-33 centigrade.

Please help! Thanks in advance.

Hemanth,

ask the seller if he/she had the seed in cold storage and for how long?
Also how long was the harvest time of the seed to when it was sold to you.

Don't you have friends or other who could give you root cuttings or simple cuttings, much faster than seed.

Been growing Chinese elms since 1980, so no fear of needing winter or very cold temperatures, the elm naturally goes dormant from Christmas to late February on my side. Lowest night temperature - 18.9 deg.C [ 66 deg.F ] but held for over 12 hours or so.
Best to you.
Khaimraj

Hi Khaimraj Seepersad,

I have contacted the seller about cold storage, he says he didn't keep them in cold storage.
No knowledge about the harvest time.

I'm out of luck, i don't have friends having bonsai's. I guess i'm taking a risky step of growing from seeds.

May be i should just wait!

Thanks
Hemanth

I don't believe you need to stratify Chinese Elm. Here is an article about growing them by seed: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-ulmus-parvifolia-seeds-20459.html

Hemanth,

whilst waiting for germination how about some Tamarind work or local trees from around your area. Trinidad though a small island, has given us at least 15 new species to work with.

Additionally, check the archives, around 2010 we had Ravi K and a few other folk from South India, who you could e-mail.
Good Luck.
Khaimraj

They don't need stratified. Or soaked for that matter. Just shove them in the dirt and stand back.
You say it's been 3 weeks? I would wait a while longer.
I've planted other elm varieties in this fashion also with great success.

Hi guys,

I was successfully able to make Chinese elm Bonsai seeds germinate.
Thanks for your help.
This is my plant after 3 months., Lot more to go.



Regards,
Hemanth

not weanting to bust your bubble.. The leaves look too smooth to be chinese elm to me.
Second opinion?

Ugrhh..
I think it is Chinese elm only.. As i kept only Chinese elm seeds in that tray..
May be they will come to proper shape when they are old enough..

Anyone who can resolve this?

Regards,
Hemanth

Hemanth, I don't think it is a Chinese elm either. It looks like a herbaceous plant of some kind or at least a non hardwood.

I would not despair, it can take 3 or 4 months, or more for seed to sprout. The longer the seed was dry before planting the slower they will be to start growing.

Shoot a close up of the leaves of what has sprouted so far, maybe we can tell if it is a "weed" or if it is your elm. My eyes can't make out enough detail.

Hemanth,

did you try the Tamarind, and how about a Pomegranate [ Anar ] ?
Laters.
Khaimraj

Hi Leo Schordje,

I guess you are right, I have left all the seeds in the tray itself (I'll keep watering the tray..Hope they will germinate )
btw.. I'll post the pics of my plant soon (I'm almost convinced it is a weed , as i went through pics of Chinese elm leaves).

@Khaimraj
Hi,

I did try Pomegranate,was not successful making them germinate. I have some more seeds i will try them out again

Thanks,
Hemanth

The American elm seeds I picked off of a tree and planted this spring are all between 18 and 24 inches.
It took less than 2 weeks for them to sprout.
I hate to say it but you may have gotten some bad seeds.
Because that sprout isn't an elm.
Michael S. What is a non hardwood?

Hello,
Just wanted to confirm this is a weed(Plz check this pic and let me know)..



Thanks,
Hemanth

Most definitely not a Chinese elm. Could be anything (including a weed)

M.Fary: Sorry I meant non ''woody''