How to Grow a Mimosa Tree From a Seed
The mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) is a deciduous tree that can grow to 40 feet in height. Blooming in fluffy flowers against lacy foliage, mimosa adds a striking focal point to the residential landscape. There is a drawback, though: mimosa's roots can be highly invasive, lifting sidewalks and invading septic and sewer systems. Grow mimosa trees in U.S. Department of Agriculture Zones 6b though 9. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Place the mimosa tree seed in a bowl of nearly-bowling water. Allow it to soak 24 hours.
-
2
Fill a planting pot with equal parts of sand and perlite. Pour water over the mixture until it is evenly wet and water drains from the bottom of the pot. Allow the mixture to drain completely.
-
-
3
Push the mimosa seed 1-inch deep into the soil. Place the pot on a heat mat set to 75 degrees F in an area that receives light, but not direct sun.
-
4
Keep the soil moist, but not wet. Mimosa seeds have a tendency to rot when the soil is too wet.
-
5
Turn the heat down gradually, over the course of two weeks, once the mimosa seedlings have three sets of leaves.
-
6
Transplant the mimosa seedling into a deeper planting pot, filled with equal parts of standard potting soil and sand, when it is 5 inches tall. Set the pot in a sunny area and wait until the top 2 inches of soil is dry before watering.
-
7
Fertilize the mimosa seedling three weeks after transplanting into the larger pot. Use a 10-10-10 fertilizer, diluted to half the strength recommended on the fertilizer package.
-
8
Transplant the mimosa tree into a sunny spot in the garden when it is 1 foot tall. Choose a location that is away from septic tanks and sewer lines as the roots can become invasive.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Mimosa Tree with blooms image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
