Germinate mimosa seeds to get the tree of your dreams!

The mimosa tree has been cultivated as a landscape ornamental for a long time and for a number of reasons. The fern-like foliage earned the tree many admirers, but the fragrant, fluffy flowers (try saying that quick three times!) are most likely the tree’s biggest attraction.

Indeed, birds and butterflies are attracted to them. The tree’s seeds, which are produced in pods, germinate readily, both in the landscape and the greenhouse.

What you’ll need to germinate mimosa tree seeds

• Seed starting mix
• Propagation tray
• Heat mat with adjustable thermostat (see below for where to purchase)
• Newspapers or black fabric
• Spray bottle
• Small planting pots

Get the soil ready to start your mimosa seeds

Start with a quality soilless seed starting  mix. Inexpensive brands don’t seem to drain as well and these seeds cannot be kept in soggy soil or they will rot. We like Fertilome Seed and Cutting Starter Mix. 

Pour the soil into a propagation tray to within 1 inch of the rim, run some water over it until it is saturated and then set it aside for an hour or two to drain. The mix should be moist but not soggy when you plant the mimosa seeds.

The Bootstrap Farmer, by the way, sells extra-strong trays that won’t bend as you carry or otherwise move them. Check them out here.Plant the mimosa seeds and care while they germinate

Scatter the mimosa tree seeds over the surface of the soil, then sprinkle a thin layer of the mix over them. Set the heat mat (check out Vivosun’s heat mats.) to 80 degrees and place it in a closet or other area that remains completely dark.

Place the seeding flat on top of the mat and keep the lights off. It’s a good idea to cover the top of the flat with several layers of newspaper or a piece of black fabric to ensure that no light gets to the seeds.

Use water from a spray bottle to moisten the soil if it begins to dry out and check the seeds daily for signs of germination. It could take anywhere from a week to three months.

When they sprout, take the tray and the heat mat out of the dark and place them in an area with indirect sunlight. The flat should remain on the heat mat for a few more weeks.

As soon as the mimosa tree seeds have three sets of leaves, plant them in individual pots. Mimosa’s roots are fragile, so be very gentle when you transplant. Use standard potting soil and place the pots on the heat mat.

You will need to wean the mimosa seedlings from the constant bottom heat by gradually reducing the temperature of the heat mat over the course of two weeks. The seedlings still need warmth, so keep the air temperature between 60 and 85 degrees and keep the soil just slightly moist.

Photo Courtesy: RCW Nurseries