Overview

Silk tree trees, also know by their scientific name, Albizia julibrissin, are elegant additions to a garden. Often grown near homes as ornamentals, the tree canopy provides a light and breezy appearance, and diffused shading. The tree also produces bright pink, puff-ball flowers that are quite fragrant. Growing a silk tree from seed is relatively easy with a little preparation for the seeds.

Starting Your Silk Tree Seeds

Step 1

Prepare a soil mixture by combining equal amounts of sand and potting soil.

Step 2

Cut the drinking cups to about 3 inches tall and punch holes in the bottom for drainage. Fill the cups with the soil.

Step 3

Obtain silk tree seeds from a seed pod of a parent tree and split open the pod to ensure that the seeds are free of damage or disease. Dispose of the empty pod. The seeds will be bean-like, brown and hard. Seeds also can be purchased at most garden centers or seed companies.

Step 4

Place the seeds in almost boiling water in a bowl and submerge them in the water. Leave the seeds overnight to scarify and improve the chance of germination.

Step 5

Plant the freshly treated seeds by placing one seed approximately 1 inch deep in each cup. Cover the seed with the soil mixture and water lightly. Repeat this for as many seeds as you want.

Step 6

Place each cup into a medium-size, zip-top plastic bag and place it in warm place to encourage gernination. Keep the soil damp but not wet.

Step 7

Check the silk tree seeds for signs of growth after about two or three weeks. After the seedlings have three to four leaves on them, transplant each seedling to a larger pot.