Sowing Mesquite Seeds: How And When To Plant Mesquite Seeds


Mesquite plants are considered symbols of the American Southwest. They grow like weeds in their natural region and make excellent native plants in that area's gardens. Producing a lovely tree with tiny, yellow spring flowers and bean-like pods. This member of the legume family can secure nitrogen in the soil, improving the garden. Growing mesquite from seed found in the wild is a fun way to enjoy these plants for free. However, mesquite seed germination can be capricious and requires several steps for success. Read further for info on how to grow mesquite trees from seed.
How to Grow Mesquite from Seed
Plant propagation by amateur gardeners is an interesting way to develop new plants and enhance your garden expertise. Sowing mesquite seeds for intentional propagation requires some specific steps to enhance germination. In the wild, any animal who eats a bean pod will spread the seed, and the animal's digestive tract provides the necessary treatment to break embryo dormancy. For the home gardener, additional treatment will be necessary. Many experts state that growing mesquite from seed is the hardest way to propagate the plant. Air layering or propagation through grafting are common commercial methods. For mesquite seeds, the maximum germination occurs at temperatures of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (27-29 C.). The seed does not need light to germinate but does best under 0.2 inches (0.5 cm.) of soil. Seedlings do need light to grow and soil temperatures of at least 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 C.). Scarification of the seed and a soak in sulfuric acid or horticultural vinegar enhances cotyledon emergence.
Enhancing Mesquite Seed Germination
Seeds need to be scarred with a knife or file to wound the hard exterior. Next, a 15 to 30 minute soak in sulfuric acid or in a strong vinegar solution will help soften the hard seed exterior. Another treatment that may help is stratification. Wrap seeds in moist sphagnum moss in a plastic bag or container and place them in the refrigerator for eight weeks. This is a common method of stimulation the emergence of the embryo. While it may not be necessary, it will not hurt the seeds and may encourage seedling emergence. Once all treatments have been completed, it is time for sowing mesquite seeds.
When to Plant Mesquite Seeds
Timing is everything when planting. If you are planting seeds directly outside in containers or a prepared bed, sow seed in spring. Seeds started indoors can be planted at any time but require a warm area to germinate and grow on. Another trick to ensure germination is to wrap the seeds in moist paper towels for a week. The seeds should send out little sprouts in about that time. Then install the sprouts in a mixture of sand and sphagnum moss that has been lightly moistened. Depending upon the cultivar, many growers have experienced success just by planting seeds, untreated in potting soil. However, since some cultivar seeds are resistant, following the treatment plan outlined will not harm seeds and will prevent much of the frustration associated with these resistant varieties.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes".

Bonnie Grant is a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.
-
How To Climb Roses Up The Walls Of Your House For A Glorious Floral Display – Plus The Best Varieties To Grow
Training climbing and rambling roses to grow against your home's facade makes a stunning natural feature and boosts curb appeal. Discover how to get it right.
-
How To Grow a Kansas Peony For Sublime Magenta Double Blooms And Enduring Fragrance
Growing Kansas peonies will add gorgeous color and fragrance to your garden. Their deep color and lush blooms are sure to make your neighbors jealous!
-
Deodar Seed Planting Guide – How To Grow A Deodar Cedar From Seed
Deodar cedar is a beautiful conifer with soft blue foliage. Purchasing a tree can be expensive, but you can grow one from seed. Click here.
-
How To Plant Hibiscus Seeds – Tips For Sowing Hibiscus Seeds
While it does take longer to grow hibiscus from seed, it can be a rewarding, productive activity, and an inexpensive way to fill your garden with these amazing plants. Learn how to plant hibiscus seeds in the following article.
-
Growing Nemesia From Seed – How And When To Sow Nemesia Seeds
The cost of creating a beautiful landscape can add up quickly. Thankfully, many flowers can easily and quickly be grown from seed at only a fraction of the cost. Nemesia flowers are a great option for gardeners. Click this article to learn more about planting Nemesia seeds.
-
Planting Cape Marigold Seeds: How To Sow Cape Marigold Seeds
Where you live and what your climate is like will determine whether you grow cape marigold as a summer or winter annual. Planting cape marigold seeds is an inexpensive way to get started with this pretty flower. This article will help with that.
-
Paulownia Seed Propagation: Tips On Growing Royal Empress From Seed
If you are interested in growing royal empress from seed, as Mother Nature does, you’ll find that planting royal empress seeds is almost foolproof. For more information about royal empress seed germination, click on the following article.
-
Planting Lychee Seeds: A Guide To Lychee Seed Propagation
Lychees are a beloved Southeast Asian fruit that are steadily becoming more popular worldwide. If you?ve ever bought fresh lychees at the store, you?ve probably been tempted to plant those big seeds and see what happens. Click here for lychee seed growing info.
-
Signs Of Mesquite Sickness – Recognizing Mesquite Tree Diseases
Mesquite trees are attractive and drought tolerant, and a standard part of xeriscape plantings. Sometimes, though, these tolerant trees exhibit signs of mesquite sickness. Click here for information about diseases of mesquite trees and how to recognize them.
-
Screwbean Mesquite Info: Tips For Screwbean Mesquite Care
The screwbean mesquite is a small tree or shrub native to southern California. It sets itself apart from its traditional mesquite cousin with its attractive, corkscrew-shaped bean pods that appear in the summer. Learn more screwbean mesquite info in this article.