| There are several Mimosa trees in my neighborhood that I think are beautiful. Can I take a piece from one of them and start it in my yard or will I have to find one in a nursery to purchase? If I can start of piece from another tree, where would I start? |
| Most gardeners propagate Mimosa from seed although summer cuttings are also practical. Collect seeds by harvesting the dry pods. Once you have the seeds out of the pod, you will notice the hard shell. Be aware that the seeds need to germinate this way: cover the seeds with very hot water and let soak overnight or until they swell. Pick out those that didn't swell and repeat this process with them. Sow swollen seeds immediately in seeding mix, covering with two to three times their thickness. Do not over water or allow to dry out and provide good drainage and bright light. Place soaked seeds in a pot 3-4" in diameter filled with a light propagation mix including perlite, and then transfer to pots of 6" when the plant develops, or directly 3 seedlings in a pot of 6". The best seedling is selected when the plant reached approximately 5-6". Seeds should germinate within 4-7 days with this pretreatment. Do not overwater the pots and keep humidity low or fungal problems may occur. Or, take tip cuttings, strip the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place in trays or pots filled with moistened potting soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy wet. You'll know your cuttings have rooted when new leaves develop. These plants prefer full sun and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Water well during the growing period, and sparingly in winter. |
