How to plant mimosa seeds? A detailed guide to the latest planting methods
Mimosa (Mimosa pudica) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family; its leaves close because it is very sensitive to external light and heat. Mimosa has very few roots, so the most suitable propagation method is direct seeding. How should the seeds be planted, what characteristics do they have, what kind of growing environment should be provided for the seeds, and what external factors are needed? What should be noted, and what is the specific procedure? Please continue reading below.
1. Sowing
Sow at warm temperatures; sow after spring temperatures rise. For container growing, prepare a growing medium that is loose, fertile, and has very good drainage and aeration. Buy disinfected seeds and soak them in water for a few hours; once the seeds have absorbed water and expanded enough, take them out and sow. After direct sowing, cover with about 1 cm of soil; do not leave them exposed, as they easily lose moisture and germinate very slowly. Do not plant too deep, as it is very hard for them to break through the soil surface.
2. Keep warm and moist
After sowing, what the seeds need most is a stable temperature and stable humidity. Generally, keep the temperature above 20 degrees, with around 25 degrees being best. Humidity should be kept above 65%; below that it becomes somewhat dry. Water once every day; after watering, place them indoors to avoid too-rapid evaporation. Misting is the best way to retain moisture and can also increase air humidity. Maintaining temperature mainly depends on choosing the sowing time. In open ground, a small arched shelter can be used to keep warm; for containers, directly cover with plastic film.
3. Light
Mimosa needs ample light to grow. Once it has sprouted, it can receive plenty of light, and it can be placed on a balcony or moved outdoors. For open-ground plants, the small arched shelter can be removed so they receive light directly. If there is high temperature and strong light, temporarily reduce light by placing them on an indoor windowsill, or set up shade netting in open ground. When planting in open ground, also plant in a spot with no large obstructions nearby, an open area with some other plants, so that it can be appropriately shaded in summer.
4. Fertilizing
No fertilizing is needed during the seedling stage; the roots are not strong and fertilizer burn easily occurs. It is best to topdress after the seedling stage, more than one month after planting; the main purpose is to promote growth, but fertilizer should be applied farther from the roots. You can use a liquid extract of farmyard manure, which will not contaminate the branches and leaves and is not likely to harm the roots. Chemical fertilizer is commonly used. It is best to dissolve it before use. In open ground, dissolved farmyard manure can be used; just be careful to apply an appropriate amount.
Mimosa seeds are not large, and under warm, humid conditions with ample sunlight, they germinate easily. So when planting mimosa, the main things to pay attention to are regulating temperature and maintaining humidity. Provide suitable light, and also use suitable fertilizer to maintain nutrition.