How to Grow Hibiscus from Seed

 

The scientific name of Hibiscus plant is Hibiscus spp. And the plant is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant with trumpet-shaped flowers. Hibiscus plant grows in full sun or partial shade and the plant does best in moist, well-drained soil. With over two hundred species and many more cultivars in the genus, hibiscus flowers can reach nearly ten inches in diameter at maturity and they come in a wide range of colors from white to pink, red, yellow, and orange.

Furthermore, the tropical hibiscus varieties (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) are perfect if you actually live in a warm climate or want an impressive houseplant. For those people that are living in cooler parts of North America, opting for a hardy variety or the shrubby rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), which are both easier to grow and can withstand colder winter temperatures, will be the better choice. In spite of the variety, the hibiscus flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.

While all Hibiscus plant has similarities that go beyond appearance, the plant actually have some distinct care and growing requirements.

 

Hibiscus plant Info

The common name: The common name is Hibiscus.

The botanical name: The botanical name is Hibiscus spp.

The plant type:  The plant is an annual and perennial herbaceous plant.

The mature size: The mature size is 3-10 ft. tall and 2-8 ft. wide.

The sun exposure: Hibiscus plant prefers full sun, partial shade.

The soil type: Hibiscus plant does well   in moist, well-drained soil.

The soil pH: Acidic, Neutral.

The blooming time: The blooming time is summer, fall, and year-round in tropical climes.

The flower color: The flower colors are  white, yellow, red, pink, orange.

USDA Hardiness Zones: five to eleven

The native area: Hibiscus plants are native to Asia, North America

 

How to Grow Hibiscus from Seed Indoors

Actually starting tropical hibiscus seeds varieties at home is very easy and fun and is also an economical way to enjoy the plant from beginning to the end.

Sow the hibiscus seed indoors six to twelve weeks before the last frost depending on your zone.

The hibiscus seeds that are soaked overnight help jumpstart the process. Also, scarifying the hibiscus seeds to help water penetrate better can be done. This simply means roughing up the outer coating slightly with sandpaper.

Sow the large hibiscus seed about ½ inches deep into well-draining soil and keep it at sixty percent humidity in full sun or under lamps. Germination usually takes between three to five days.

After four to five weeks, transplant into larger pots, make sure you take care not to disrupt the taproot.

As the last frost approaches in the spring you can harden off the transplants by placing them outdoors in the shade during the day to achieve a stronger and more weather-resistant plant. Gradually move the plant to more sun each day until you are ready to plant them in 1 week or 2.

Better branching and thus more flowers can be really achieved by pinching back the tips when the young plant is around six to eight inches in height.