How to Germinate Mimosa Pudica

Pour some hot tap water into a cup and drop the mimosa pudica seeds into it. Soak them overnight to soften the hard outer seed coat. You don’t need to heat the water again.

Combine 1 part perlite or sand, 2 parts compost and 2 parts peat moss. Fill a 4-inch pot with the medium. Set the pot in a shallow container of warm water until the surface of the soil feels moist. Remove the pot from the water and allow it to drain freely for about 30 minutes.

Sow the sensitive plant seeds about 1/2 inch apart on the soil surface. Cover them with soil to a depth of twice their thickness.

Fill a repurposed plastic spray bottle with water. Spritz the soil surface gently to moisten it evenly, but not enough to make it soggy or wet.

Close up the pot in a clear plastic bag. This will help retain moisture.

Set the pot in a bright, warm spot between 70 and 85 degrees F out of direct sunlight. The top of your refrigerator or above a hot water heater are good locations. Your mimosa pudica seeds will germinate in about 7 to 14 days.

Check the potting soil every day to make sure that it never dries out while the seeds are germinating.

Move the plants to a warm, bright windowsill out of direct sun when they sprout.