Sensitive Plant (Shameplant)

Sensitive Plant is a fascinating, fast-growing perennial with delicate, fern-like foliage that instantly reacts to touch by folding inward. Reaching about 12-18 inches tall, this charming plant produces soft, fluffy pink flowers that resemble tiny pom-poms, adding extra appeal to its already captivating nature. The touch-responsive leaves make it an interactive and entertaining plant, perfect for sparking curiosity and wonder. Its compact size allows it to thrive in containers, garden beds, or as a houseplant, making it a versatile choice for any space. A natural air purifier, it enhances indoor environments while adding a unique botanical touch. As a nitrogen-fixing plant, it also helps improve soil quality, benefiting surrounding plants. Easy to grow and low maintenance, it brings joy with every gentle touch, making it an irresistible addition to any plant collection.

Also Known As: Sensitive Plant, Touch-Me-Not, Sleeping Grass, Shameplant, Humble Plant, Tickle Me Plant, Dormilona, Noli Me Tangere, Makahiya, La Moriviví, Lojjaboti, Chuimui, Coy Plant, Vergonzosa, Bashful Plant.

Plant Name:	Sensitive Plant
Latin Name:	Mimosa pudica
Days to Germinate:	7-21
Days to Bloom:	80-120
Plant Height:	12 - 18 inches
Spread:	1 - 4 Feet
Bloom Diameter:	1/4 - 1/2 Inch
Growth Habit:	Spreading
USDA Zones:	3-12
Lifespan:	Annual, Perennial 9-12
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Sensitive Plant thrives in warm weather, preferring growing temperatures of 65F-85F, and is usually grown indoors as a houseplant. Prepare seeds for germination by scarification. Gently remove the brown seed coat, if present, to reveal the yellowish-green seed inside. Using a pair of tweezers, carefully make a small nick on the side of the seed by applying slight pressure, just enough to expose the white interior. Finally, soak the seeds in room temperature tap water for 1 hours before planting.

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 70F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 70F or night temperatures are consistently above 50F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant in spring when the soil reaches at least 70F or when night temperatures are consistently above 50F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights. If fall planting, plant in containers to prepare to store plants indoors over winter.

To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 12-16 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 12-16 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	12-16 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Sensitive Plant is best kept in warm temperatures as it thrives in heat. Regular watering is essential, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During summer, provide additional humidity by misting or placing near other plants, and fertilize lightly every few weeks to encourage lush growth and delicate pink blooms. Avoid excessive handling of the leaves to prevent unnecessary stress. As fall approaches, reduce watering slightly and move indoors if temperatures drop below 60F (16C), as it is sensitive to cold. If overwintering indoors, place in a bright, warm location and water sparingly to prevent root rot. Pruning leggy stems keeps the plant compact and encourages fresh growth for the next season.