About

About Johnny Mapleseed

Johnny Mapleseed was built on patience, curiosity, and a lifelong respect for trees grown the right way.

What began as a personal bonsai journey has grown into a trusted source for dormant tree seed suitable for bonsai, serving growers across all 50 states and many countries worldwide. Our focus has never been shortcuts or instant results. We believe great trees are grown slowly, intentionally, and from the very beginning.

A Bonsai Journey Rooted in Seed

Our founder has been practicing bonsai since 2003 and growing trees from seed and selling tree seed since 2008. Early on, we sold young tree seedlings, but a common request kept coming back from customers:

“Where did you get the seed?”

At the time, quality tree seed suitable for bonsai was difficult to find, inconsistent in quality, and often poorly documented. Many sellers treated tree seed as a novelty rather than a long-term commitment. We decided to change that by making the same seed we trusted for our own trees available to others.

Johnny Mapleseed exists to support growers who value the full process, from dormancy to decades of refinement.

Why Johnny Mapleseed

The name Johnny Mapleseed is inspired by Johnny Appleseed, a symbol of planting for the future rather than immediate reward. Today, trees grown from our seed are living in backyards, benches, collections, and landscapes throughout the United States and around the world.

Our reach grew organically through years of selling on platforms like eBay, long before branding was a priority. As demand grew, so did the responsibility to do it right. Today, Johnny Mapleseed is being formally branded to expand responsibly, including into marketplaces like Amazon, without compromising the values that built our reputation.

What Makes Our Seeds Different

We are a hobbyist turned curator, not a mass distributor. Our seed sourcing is intentional and selective. Seed is either personally collected or sourced through a trusted network of wholesalers and fellow enthusiasts who understand what bonsai growers actually need.

We are always searching for:

  • Fresh seed with viable dormancy

  • Species with proven bonsai potential

  • Seed lots suitable for long-term training

  • Consistency over novelty

We do not aim to compete with cookie-cutter big box nurseries. Our goal is to support growers who want to understand their trees, not rush them.

Serving Beginners and Serious Artists Alike

Johnny Mapleseed exists for the full spectrum of growers:

  • Beginners planting their first seeds

  • Intermediate growers refining technique

  • Serious bonsai artists building trees for the long term

We believe education is just as important as access. That is why we emphasize clear growing instructions, realistic timelines, and honest expectations. Dormant tree seed requires patience. Uneven germination is normal. Success comes from working with nature, not against it.

More Than Seeds, A Growing Community

While seed remains our foundation, Johnny Mapleseed is expanding thoughtfully to become a one-stop shop for seed-grown bonsai. Planned additions include:

  • Bonsai soil blends and components

  • Training tools and wire

  • Seed trays and containers

  • Pottery for training and transition

  • Seedlings and pre-bonsai material

Every expansion is guided by the same principle that started it all: quality first, customer satisfaction always.

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

  • Offering dormant tree seed suitable for bonsai

  • Providing accurate, practical growing guidance

  • Supporting customers when challenges arise

  • Growing the brand responsibly and transparently

We believe bonsai is not about speed. It is about attention, patience, and respect for the tree.

Grow Slow. Grow Strong. Grow From Seed.

Johnny Mapleseed is here for those who understand that the best trees are not bought, they are grown.

If you are planting for the future, you are in the right place.