Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) - Seeds

Name: Albizia julibrissin / Mimosa Tree/ Pink Siris/ Persian Silk Tree/ Silk Tree

Quantity: 150 Bulk Seeds

Height: 30-40 ft. (9-12 m)
Spacing: 10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m), 12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m), 15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m)
Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade
Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Mid Summer
Foliage: Deciduous
Other details: Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Soil pH requirements: 4.6 to 5.0 (highly acidic)
Propagation Methods: From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall

Description:
Silk trees are vibrant and beautiful ornamentals, members of the mimosa family. While the appearance of these trees is quite tropical, with dark green fern like leaves and large, showy and fragrant pink flowers, they are the hardiest of the mimosas, adapting to cold climates more successfully then most. Silk trees are fast growing small trees that thrive in the garden in USDA Zones six through nine, or can be planted in patio containers in colder areas. Originally imported from Asia in the 1745 as a curiosity, the silk tree has naturalized throughout a variety of states, ranging from Washington D.C. to Louisiana and California, and is considered invasive in many parts of the southeast. Silk trees reproduce themselves prolifically, both by seed and vegetatively, spreading new sprouts from their roots. Spreading can be easily controlled by pulling up young sprouts before they can become established, or digging and potting them to share with friends and family.

How to Grow?
1. Growing silk trees from seed is a common and relatively easy way to obtain young trees for planting. Seeds can be purchased or are easily collected from an existing tree. Silk trees produce an abundant supply of seed pods after flowering, and germination rates are good with proper seed preparation. Encased in a hard seat coat, silk tree seeds require scarification for successful germination, which can be done by notching the seed with a file, then dipping it into boiling water or soaking it in sulfuric acid. Once this is done, the seeds are ready to be placed in a well drained potting mixture and kept moist, but not soggy, until germination occurs.

2. Securing young trees to plant at home can be as easy as digging the little volunteers that shoot up from the roots of Silk trees growing in a neighbor's yard or that in the wild. Just be sure to dig deeply beneath the plant to keep as many roots attached as possible and choose the smallest sprouts, as these tend to transplant more readily. Of course, silk trees can be purchased ready to plant from the local nursery or garden center. Again, smaller is better for a successful transplant.

3. Planting silk trees is best done in a location that receives full sun, but they will tolerate light shade. While light, well drained soil is ideal, silk trees will thrive in a variety of conditions, even alkaline soils. The planting hole for your silk tree seedlings should be large enough to accommodate the growth of an extensive root system, about three times the width of the rootball and two times its depth. Place each seedling into its own planting hole and gently refill with soil, making sure to tamp soil into the roots to eliminate air pockets. Water your newly planted silk trees deeply and keep them moist, but not waterlogged.

4. Keep your silk trees watered throughout the first two or three seasons of growth and add a layer of mulch around the trunk to aid in moisture retention. Once established, silk trees are drought tolerant and grow quite nicely with very little care, but a bit of nurturing is required to get them off to a good start. Staking newly planted trees is advised, giving them a bit of extra support to stand up against the wind and weather until strong roots are developed.