Mimosa Silk tree -albizia julibrissin

Mimosa silk tree The seeds you purchased have already gone through the stratification process (refrigeration). Prepare the mimosa seeds for sowing after the last spring frost or when daytime temperatures reach above 70 degrees. Brush the end of each seed with a nail file or sand paper until a small, spot appears on the shell. Soak them in hot water for 24 hours before planting.

Fill individual 4-inch pots with a lightly moistened mixture of half sand and half peat moss. Sow one seed in each pot at a 1-inch depth. Spread a 1/4-inch-thick layer of sand over the soil.

Place the pots outdoors against a south- or west-facing wall with full sun. Best results are when the weather is above 70 degrees.  Light shade at midday if daytime temperatures rise above 90 F.

Carefully monitor the moisture level of the soil. Water thoroughly whenever the top 1/2 inch of soil dries out. Avoid overwatering or letting the soil dry out completely.

Watch for germination one to three weeks after sowing. Grow the seedlings under the same conditions as during germination until they reach 3 inches in height and produce several mature leaves.