Mimosa pudica

Germination

Sow indoors at any time. Prior to sowing soak the seeds in warm water for 2 hours. Surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover with soil. Place the tray into a polythene bag or propagate. Ideal temp. 18-21°C. Germination takes 21-40 days. Remove the plastic cover once germination occurs. Allow seedlings to grow on. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 13cm pots. Ideally do not expose to conditions below 16°C. Hardy above 5°C.

Growing

Mimosa is a tropical plant. It should not be exposed to conditions below 16°C. Therefore it is best grown as a house, conservatory or greenhouse plant although it could be moved outside during the summer months. Feed with a high potash feed, Tomato plant food is ideal. Mist the leaves and only water sparingly but regularly. If the leaves yellow the soil is too moist.

Cultivation

Best grown as a short-lived plant as it can be difficult to overwinter. The plant flowers best when its roots are in a small pot, however if roots start to emerge through the drainage holes it needs repotting to a larger pot.