A Good Time to Transplant Mimosa

Transplanting Time

• According to the general consensus of arborists, as cited by John Richard Hartman et al. in "Pirone's Tree Maintenance," the good time of year for transplanting deciduous trees such as the mimosa is during spring or fall. Transplant the plant in spring before the new foliage starts to grow or during fall after the leaves have fallen and before the ground freezes.

Spring Planting Advantages

• Transplanting the mimosa during spring offers many growth advantages to the plant. The main benefit is to give it a long growing season to allow the mimosa to become well established before the cold of winter. Also, the high level of moisture and rains during spring assures ample watering for the plant. The cooler temperatures in spring are less stressful for new plants than if they are transplanted during the heat of summer.

Fall Planting Benefits

• Fall season planting has its own benefits, the primary being the dormant growth state of the mimosa tree. Since the root systems in plants intended as transplants are well developed and continue to grow in soil temperatures down to 45 degrees F, the plants can focus on establishing their roots while the above ground plant is in a dormant state. Planting in fall also offers the mimosa moderate soil temperature and plenty of moisture to support healthy root development.

Site

• Selecting the right site and soil is essential for increasing transplanting success. Select an area in full or partial sun for planting mimosa. The plant adapts to a range of soil types, including alkaline, and is hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 9. Mimosa is a maintenance free plant once established, thriving well even under adverse conditions, including drought. The plant is potentially invasive in many areas of the United States, including Florida.