Mimosa plants aren’t exactly fans of the cold, and getting them through a harsh winter can be a real headache. Because of that, most of us treat these tropical beauties as annual houseplants, starting fresh with new ones every spring. The good news? Growing them yourself is actually super easy and a fun project for any plant parent!
Growing Your Own Mimosas
Since the Mimosa isn’t winter-hardy and requires a lot of extra TLC to survive the off-season, most gardeners find it easier to replace them each year. You’ve got two main ways to grow new Mimosas:
- Starting from seeds
- Taking cuttings
Growing Mimosas from Cuttings
Technically, you can propagate Mimosas by rooting cuttings in a glass of water. However, I have to give you a heads-up: these plants are incredibly sensitive to pruning. Taking a cutting often stresses the mother plant so much that she might not make it. It’s a bit of a gamble!
Growing Mimosas from Seed
If you want a sure thing, growing from seeds is definitely the way to go. You can grab a packet at your local garden center or harvest them yourself if you have a plant that’s been pollinated.
Here’s a pro tip: soak your seeds in lukewarm water for a few hours before planting. Their outer shells are surprisingly tough, and a good soak helps soften them up so the seedling can break through. You can use a small wooden stick or skewer to fish them out of the water when they’re ready.
Next, tuck them into a starter pot filled with sterile seed-starting mix. If you only have regular potting soil on hand, no worries—just pop it in the oven at 175°F (80°C) for about 30 minutes to kill off any hitchhiking pests or fungi. Cover the seeds with a light dusting of soil and keep them consistently moist. I like to put a bit of plastic wrap over the top to create a mini-greenhouse effect and keep the humidity high.
In just a few weeks, you should see those first little sprouts popping up! Keep up the care until they’re sturdy enough to move.
Caring for Your Young Plants
Once your seedlings have established some roots and grown at least two pairs of leaves, it’s time for them to move into their own pots. Find them a warm, bright spot to live. East- or west-facing windowsills are perfect because they get plenty of light without the harsh, direct midday sun that can scorch tender leaves. Keep your baby Mimosas nice and hydrated in a room that stays between 65°F and 72°F (18–22°C). After a few more weeks of growth, they’ll be ready to move into a larger pot and join your permanent plant collection!
