Mesquite pods ripen simultaneously. They should be picked when the seed rattles in the pod, and stored in a dry place. Bruchid beetles can be killed by freezing or fumigating the pods. Mesquite seeds store well maintaining excellent viability for years or even decades. There are about 30,000 seeds/kg. A modified commercial meat grinder with a plate with holes I cm in diameter is recommended for cleaning. The seeds have a very tough coating which must be scarified for germination by chipping or cutting, acid treatment, or exposure to boiling water. Acid, however, will damage seeds if cuts in the seed coat are made by mechanical cleaning. Seeds germinate best at temperatures between 20-40^oC and can germinate within six hours of wetting at 34^oC. Preliminary studies of honey mesquite propagation from cuttings, tissue culture, and air layering suggest that these vegetative reproduction techniques are possible.

Scarified or sprouted seed should be planted in a well drained soil mix If small containers are used, transplant seedlings 2-3 weeks after germination to avoid disturbing the dominant tap root. Young seedlings can have root to shoot ratios as high as 10:1 (Mooney et al. 1977). Larger transplants can be grown in deep containers (7.5 cm wide by 100 cm deep) or in plant bands (4 cm x 40 cm).