Abstract. The efficiency in the production of seedlings is decisive for the final result of their applicability. Therefore, strategies to ensure a rapid and uniform emergence are necessary, especially when it is associated with sustainable methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different water temperatures as overcoming seed dormancy in Mimosa ophthalmocentra Mart. ex Benth., simply and economically, in the Brazilian Semiarid Region. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications, each one consisting of 50 seeds, which were subjected to six treatments: intact seeds (T1/control) and seeds immersed in water at 55, 65, 75, 85, and 95 °C (T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6, respectively). Sowing was performed in trays under environmental conditions and evaluations were performed daily for 28 days. The emergence percentage, emergence speed index (ESI), and length and dry mass of seedlings were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were compared by Tukey test (p < 0.05). M. ophthalmocentra has tegumentary dormancy, and its emergence was influenced by water temperature. Immersion of seeds in water at 75 ºC for 1 min provided the best result with 60% of emergence, ESI of 2.68, and seedlings with longer lengths and higher dry mass.