The graceful, fine-textured mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin) is a beloved landscape specimen valued for its feathery foliage and showy, pom-pom shaped pink flowers. Mimosa trees grow quickly when started from seed, and can reach up to 20-40 feet tall with an umbrella-like canopy. Follow this simple guide for instructions on harvesting, preparing and germinating mimosa tree seeds.
Gathering Mimosa Seeds
The first step is collecting fresh mimosa seeds Look for the flat, brown seed pods on female trees in mid to late summer. Monitor the pods and harvest them when they turn brown and start to crack open Collect the pods into paper bags and break them open to extract the seeds. Spread the seeds on paper towels and let them air dry for 1-2 weeks. Discard any seeds that are moldy, discolored or damaged. Healthy mimosa seeds should be hard and dark brown.
Preparing the Seeds
Mimosa seeds have a hard outer coating that needs scarification to allow water uptake and germination There are a few methods to prepare the seeds
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Soak seeds in hot water overnight. Place seeds in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let soak for 12-24 hours. The heat and moisture will soften the seed coat.
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Use sandpaper or a file. Gently rub the seed coat with coarse sandpaper or an emery board to create tiny openings without damaging the seed.
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Pour boiling water over the seeds let soak briefly then pour off the water and allow seeds to air dry. Repeat this process 2-3 times.
Treated seeds will swell up plump with absorbed water when they are ready to plant.
Planting the Seeds
Mimosa seeds are now prepped for planting:
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Fill small containers with a well-draining potting mix. Include compost for nutrients.
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Make a shallow 1 inch furrow and space seeds every 2-3 inches.
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Cover seeds lightly with mix and gently water. Don’t let soil dry out completely.
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Place in warm area with sun. Germination occurs in 1-4 weeks.
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Thin seedlings when 2 sets of true leaves emerge. Keep healthiest plant per cell.
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Gradually introduce outdoor conditions over 7-10 days (hardening off).
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Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening off and all danger of frost.
Caring for Mimosa Trees
Young mimosa trees need attentive care for strong establishment:
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Water deeply 2-3 times per week during first year. Water at soil level to encourage deep roots.
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Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during active growth.
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Stake tree for support until well established (1-2 years).
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Prune any damaged branches back to healthy growth.
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Weed and mulch around base. Avoid mounding mulch on trunk.
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Wrap young trunks in winter to prevent freeze damage if needed.
Growing Conditions
Mimosa trees thrive with:
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Sun: Full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
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Soil: Rich, well-draining soil. Sand, loam or clay work.
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pH: Neutral to acidic soil, 5.5-7.0 pH
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Hardiness: Zones 6-9. Not frost tender but young trees may need protection.
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Water: 1-2 inches per week. Deep watering encourages roots to grow down.
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Fertilizer: Balanced mix applied in spring and summer while actively growing.
Troubleshooting Mimosa Trees
Mimosa trees are not prone to many issues but watch for:
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Leaf spots – Fungal diseases favored by humid climates. Improve air circulation.
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Webworm – Larvae feed inside leaves, tying them with silk. Hand pick off infested leaves.
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Verticillium wilt – Leaves wilt. Usually affects stressed trees. Improve care.
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Freeze damage – Young bark and branches susceptible to cold damage. Wrap trunks in winter.
Enjoying the Benefits
Grown from seed, mimosa trees will rapidly grow into specimen shade trees in just a few seasons. Their feathery foliage provides dappled shade and their puffy pink blooms are beautiful. Mimosa wood is also strong yet flexible. Follow these simple tips for successfully sprouting mimosa seeds and enjoy this fast-growing ornamental tree.
Where to Plant Mimosa Seeds
Sensitive plant starts growing upwards as young plants, but soon develops a creeping habit and spreads outward. It can be grown outside in hardiness zones 7–13, but most people prefer to keep it inside where it doesn’t need much care. When growing outdoors, exercise caution as it can quickly escape and naturalize.
Because Mimosa Sensitive Plant is a fast grower, choose your planting site wisely. Once frost has passed and the seedlings are hardened off, plant them outside in a spot that gets full to partial sun, has well-drained soil, and lots of space.
About Mimosa Sensitive Plant
In the tropics of Central and South America, mimosa pudica grows as a creeping shrub or short-lived perennial. It is also called the “sensitive plant.” Its leaves have tiny hairs on them that are very sensitive to touch, temperature, and motion. When these hairs are activated, the leaves fold inward, which is how it got its interesting name. The plant also closes its leaves at night as part of its natural defense mechanism. The sensitive plant has light purple flowers that look like little pom-poms and delicate, fern-like leaves that move in a way that is all their own.
Episode 15: How to Grow a Mimosa Tree From Seed.
FAQ
How do you germinate mimosa tree seeds?
What is the best way to start a mimosa tree?
Can you plant the pods from a mimosa tree?
Can you grow a mimosa tree indoors?
How do you plant a mimosa tree?
Sow the seeds. Mimosa tree seeds can be sown directly in the ground or started indoors. If you are sowing the seeds directly in the ground, plant them 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. If you are starting the seeds indoors, plant them in 3-inch pots filled with potting soil. Water the seeds well and place them in a warm location.
How to grow mimosa tree from seed?
If you know correctly know how to grow mimosa tree from seed, you can fill your garden with this exotic plant. The process is straightforward. You have to remove these seeds from the pods and collect it during the fall, and then they germinate effortlessly.
How long does it take a mimosa tree to germinate?
With the right conditions, mimosa tree seeds typically begin germinating within 10 to 21 days. However, it is important to note that not all seeds will germinate simultaneously. Some seeds may sprout earlier, while others may take longer or not germinate at all. Patience is key when growing plants from seed, as each seed has its own timeline.
When do mimosa trees produce seed pods?
Mimosa trees typically produce seed pods in late summer to early autumn. These pods resemble pea pods, with each pod containing several seeds. Here’s how to collect them: Timing: Wait for the seed pods to mature on the tree. The pods will turn brown and dry up when they are ready for harvesting.
How do you collect mimosa tree seeds?
To collect mimosa tree seeds, follow these steps: 1. Pick the pods from the tree when they are dry and starting to split open. 2. Place the pods in a paper bag or envelope. 3. Shake the pods to release the seeds. 4. Remove any debris from the seeds. 5. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them.
Can you grow a mimosa tree outside?
Mimosa tree seeds can be started indoors or outdoors. If you are starting them indoors, you will need to provide them with a warm, sunny spot and keep the soil moist. Once the seedlings have sprouted, you can transplant them outdoors once the weather has warmed up.