How to Propagate Silk Tree Seeds
Silk trees (also called mimosa trees) are members of the pea family. With showy pink flowers and leaves that resemble a fern, these trees can grow up to 30 feet all. Silk trees can grow in nearly any type of soil, making their propagation easy even for gardening beginners. Silk tree seeds germinate so easily that many sources consider them weeds. Still, these trees can make pretty, ornamental additions to your property. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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You can either buy the silk tree seeds or gather them from a healthy adult tree. If you are harvesting them from the fruit, you must open the flat pods. The seeds will be oval shaped and light brown. Lay the silk tree seeds out on a paper towel until they are completely dry.
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Insert the silk tree seeds about half an inch deep in moist potting soil in a container. The area should be warm (around 75 F) and preferably in direct sunlight. Keep the soil lightly moist and beware over watering it. It only needs to be watered two or three times a week.
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In about 10 days, the silk tree seeds will begin to sprout. Continue to keep them warm and lightly watered. If the seedlings' roots get to be too large for the container, transplant them into bigger containers.
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When the silk tree seedlings get to be about 8 inches tall, transplant them outside to an area that has plenty of direct sunlight. This should be done at least a month before the first frost. These trees can tolerate dryness fairly well, so once they are in the ground, you probably will not have to water them unless there is a severe dry spell. Prune it at least once a season.
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Tips & Warnings
Silk trees do not do well in the north or the northern central states. On the other hand, in the southeastern part of the U.S., silk trees are considered weeds because they are so invasive.
