Overview

The mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin) is a deciduous tree that can reach 35 to 40 feet in height. It is also referred to as the silk tree. Mimosa trees are indigenous to China and are hardy in tUSDA Zones 6 to 10. The plume-shaped flowers of the mimosa tree appear in summer and resemble tiny pink puffy feathers. Plant a mimosa tree in a warm, sunny location and provide it with plenty of water.

Planting Mimosa Tree Seeds

Step 1

Nick off a small section on each of the mimosa tree seeds. You can use a nail file, or carefully use a pair of scissors to do this.

Step 2

Dampen a paper towel with water until it's well moistened down. Set the mimosa tree seeds out on one side of the paper towel. Mist the mimosa tree seeds with water, then fold the paper towel over the seeds to cover them gently.

Step 3

Place the dampened paper towel containing the mimosa tree seeds in a sealable polythene bag. Put the sealed bag into the back of your refrigerator. Keep the bag in the refrigerator for six to eight weeks. Check on the bag once or twice a week. Spritz the paper towel as needed, so it will remain moist, but not wet, to the touch.

Step 4

Remove the bag from its cold strorage after the alloted time. Use sterilized seed-starting soil and fill up 3-inch pots. Pour water into each of the pots to moisten them down thoroughly.

Step 5

Push two to trhree mimosa tree seeds 1/4 inch deep into the soil in each of the pots. Scatter no more than 1/4 inch of the seed-starting mix over the seeds. Mist the soil surface until it's well moistened.

Step 6

Place the pots in a watering tray, then set the entire tray in an area that is warm and bright. Try to keep the temperature between 65 and 75 degrees F. Provide at least six to eight hours of light daily. The soil should be kept moist, but never soggy wet. In three to four weeks, you should see seeds emerging. Once the mimosa tree seedlings have grown to 3 to f4 inches tall, you can transplant them into larger containers, or directly into your garden.

Tranplanting Mimosa Trees

Step 1

Choose a suitable location for planting your mimosa tree. Dig a hole twice the diameter and depth of the pot containing the mimosa tree.

Step 2

Remove the pot from the mimosa tree by first turning the pot upside down. Place a finger inside one of the drain holes, and gently pull the pot away from the root system.

Step 3

Loosen the roots with your fingers if the roots appear knotted or bound up. Set the mimosa tree into the previously dug hole. The top of its root system should be at the same height as the garden soil. Scoop in garden soil all the way around the root system until the hole is about half-full of soil. Pour water into the hole slowly to fill the hole. Scoop in garden soil to fill the hole up once the water has drained. Tamp the soil down around the area.

Step 4

Make a 2-to-3-inch-high circular dam of dirt around the mimosa tree. (This is helpful to create a shallow pool of water that can soak in slowly to reach the roots.)