Before I start does anyone have any tips for starting jbp from seeds. Can they bee seown in pots outside now or should I stratifi them in the fridge and plant them close to spring.
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I generally soak for a day and then plant into flats that are placed in the cool (just above freezing) greenhouse for the winter. I can get temps around 0F (-18C) which is why I don’t just put them outside. If you can keep them above about 20F (-7C) you can put them outside. I put some screen over the flats to keep the squirrels from digging up these and other seeds until they sprout. Oaks and similar get screen cages until they are transplanted in the 2nd year and the remainder of the acorn is removed.
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Ok were I am if it got to 20 degrees people would probably call for a state of emergency lol.
Squirrel protection is huge, I learned the hard way 
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No squirrels here but I do have to contend with bird’s lol
So I do Black pine seeds every year to keep a constant supply in the pipe line, if your in a warm climate like I am (SC) then I suggest soaking as directed for 24 hr to get rid of seeds that are duds (floaters). Then follow the cold process for 60 days, then sow the seeds. I sow them in flats, but pots work too, and I use 90% perlite as my medium with great success. Good luck!
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thanks for the tips sc is south Carolina or Sothern California. im in norther California zone 9
The first things you have to find out:
Do you have a garden or a greenhouse? How much effort do you want to put into it? Stratification is a basic requirement for good germination. Stick to natural growing conditions, sow in spring and preferably outdoors. There are sowing pallets where you can sow each seed individually. Or you can use the sowing - cuttings method. 
I just ordered seeds myself. I had planned on sewing them in the spring. I’m in zone 7a (forecasting for a harsh winter) and without a greenhouse yet. What would be my best stratification option until things warm up? I tried last year soaking for a day and then into the fridge for a month before sewing into a plastic greenhouse tray. Failed miserably so need to change things up this year. Oaks on the other hand were easy. I have a veritable oak garden under my white oak, even with the squirrels. I don’t want to leave the pine seeds out though, at least not without protection.
I like natural stratification vs. the refrigerator when I can do it. Do you have a garage where you can place the trays with the seed after planting? Up against a wall close abutting the house with some blankets over them keep them cold with some mild freezes which would be good. In zone 7a you are probably good on the ground in a protected location with good mulching since Japanese black pine is hardy to zone 5 in the ground.
MartyWeiser, my garage is a heated wood shop. I guess I’ll try planting outside somehow. If it doesn’t work there’s always next year.
i think i am going to give them a go outside i don’t have a better place to keep them but in in zone 9 and don’t think i will see any hard freezes the frost period here is only 2 months and that probably will work out well for me .
I have been starting bonsai from seed for over 30 years in Charlotte, NC (zone 8a). Of the methods I have tried the best is, I soak all my JBP seeds and other seeds in 3% hydrogen peroxide (drug store strength) for a few hours usually until they stop foaming. Then they are rinsed in water and soaked 24 to 48 hours in water. Planted in 50% perlite 50% Miracle Gro potting mix in Anderson flats or pots and put outside on the ground or in an open cold frame. Be sure to cover with some screen to keep out the birds and squirrels.
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