I’m looking for some advice from people who have experience with hawthorn bonsai, especially if you’ve started them from seed.

Last year I tried air layering a mature hawthorn growing in my yard, and it was a complete failure. I recently talked with a family member who’s been doing bonsai for years, and they told me hawthorns are notoriously difficult to air layer, to the point that many experienced growers don’t even bother trying. At least that made me feel a little better about it.

My next thought is to grow one from seed. From what I’ve read, hawthorn seeds can take a year or even two before they germinate because of their dormancy requirements. I’m patient enough to wait if that’s the best approach, but I’d love to hear from people who have actually done it.

A few questions I have:

• Have you had success growing hawthorn from seed, and is there anything you wish you had known before you started?
• Are there any tricks for improving germination rates or shortening the process?
• If you were starting a hawthorn bonsai today, would you choose seeds or another method instead?
• More generally, what advice would you give someone interested in starting bonsai from seed? Any common mistakes to avoid?

One other challenge I’ve run into is overwintering. I’m in USDA Zone 5b, and I’ve struggled to keep young trees healthy through the winter. If anyone in a similar climate has recommendations for protecting seedlings or young bonsai during dormancy, I’d really appreciate hearing what has worked for you.

Thanks in advance; looking forward to learning from people who know more before I commit to a project that’s above my experience.