Acacia Baileyana Purpurea Seeds, Purple Bailey's Mimosa

Sowing **Acacia** seeds is a common method for propagating this hardy and ornamental plant. However, Acacia seeds have a very hard shell, which requires specific preparations to promote germination. Here is a detailed guide to successfully sowing Acacia seeds:

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### **Materials required:**
- Acacia seeds.
- Well-draining substrate (light potting soil mixed with sand or perlite).
- Small pots or cups.
- Boiling water and cold water.
- Container for soaking.
- Spray bottle or fine rain watering can.

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### **Sowing steps:**

#### 1. **Seed preparation:**
Acacia seeds have a very hard coating that inhibits their germination. To break this dormancy:
- **Hot water soak:**
- Heat water until boiling.
- Place the seeds in a heat-resistant bowl, then pour boiling water over them.
- Let the seeds soak in hot water until it cools completely (12 to 24 hours). This softens the shell of the seeds.
- **Verification :**
- Seeds that swell after soaking are ready to be sown. Those that remain hard may require scarification.

- **Scarification (if necessary):**
- Lightly rub the surface of the seeds with sandpaper or a file to make the shell more permeable.

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#### 2. **Substrate preparation:**
- Use a well-draining substrate. A mixture of potting soil, sand and perlite (in equal parts) is ideal for Acacias.
- Fill pots or cups with this mixture and press down lightly.

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#### 3. **Sowing the seeds:**
- Sow the seeds at a depth of **1 to 1.5 cm**.
- Cover them with a thin layer of substrate.
- Tamp lightly to keep the seeds in contact with the soil.

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#### 4. **Watering:**
- Moisten the substrate with a spray bottle or a fine rain watering can. The substrate should be moist but not soggy.

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#### 5. **Germination conditions:**
- **Temperature:** Maintain a constant temperature of **20 to 30 °C**. Acacias like heat.
- **Light:** Place the pots in a bright place, but away from direct sunlight.
- **Humidity:** Cover the pots with perforated plastic wrap or place them in a mini greenhouse to maintain constant humidity.

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#### 6. **Germination:**
- Acacia seeds typically take **1-3 weeks** to germinate, but some varieties may take longer (up to 2 months).

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### **Maintenance after germination:**

#### 1. **Remove the cover:**
- Once the seedlings appear, remove the plastic film or open the mini greenhouse.

#### 2. **Watering:**
- Water regularly to keep the substrate slightly moist, but allow it to dry out on the surface between waterings.

#### 3. **Light:**
- Place the young plants in a bright location, ideally with indirect sunlight.

#### 4. **Replanting:**
- When the young plants have reached about **10 cm** in height, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the ground (if weather conditions allow).

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### **Transplanting into open ground:**

#### 1. **Ideal conditions:**
- Acacias prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
- Make sure that the outside temperatures are mild and that there is no longer any risk of frost.

#### 2. **Spacing:**
- If you plant several Acacias, space them approximately **2 to 3 meters** apart, depending on the species.

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### **Additional Tips:**

1. **Sowing period:** Sowing can be done at any time of the year indoors, but in spring or early summer if sowing outdoors.
2. **Drought Tolerance:** Acacias are hardy plants and require little watering once established.
3. **Adaptability:** Acacias grow well in hot, dry climates, but some species can tolerate cooler climates.
4. **Fertilizer:** Add a nitrogen-rich fertilizer if the soil is poor, as Acacias benefit from it during their first year of growth.