[Arid_gardener] Re: Mesquites From Seed

[Olin Miller]

There are a number of mesquites that cross-pollinate readily so that you may
not get an acceptable tree.  Propagating the popular thornless Chilean
mesquites is usually accomplished vegetatively from cuttings.

For seeds to germinate it is helpful, perhaps necessary, to scarify the seed
by first rubbing the hard seed hull with sandpaper or by nipping a small
hole at he pointy end so that moisture can enter the seed, then soaking the
seed in warm water overnight.  If you are really serious about it, you might
rig up a system to keep the soil moist and at about 70 deg F.

Another method we often use to germinate difficult seeds is to plant them in
a pot with an existing house plant, then forgetting about it until it
geminates, then remove it and put it in its own pot.  The downside of this
method is it may take so long for the seed to germinate we may not remember
that it isn't a weed.

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jessica Boof Sizemore" <tvobsessor at gmail.com>
To: <arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu>
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 7:36 PM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] RE: leaves falling off mesquite


I am hoping to start mesquite trees in my back yard from pods that I pick
off trees around my house. Is this possible, Do you have any suggestions for
success for me?
Jessica Sizemore