Can hardy hibiscus be grown from seed?
Yes, you can grow hardy hibiscus from seed! Hardy hibiscus are deciduous shrubs, perennial in zones 4-9 and are comprised of the species moscheutos and of cultivars of the species syriacus. Spring, with its gentle warmth and lengthening days, marks the perfect overture for hibiscus planting. As the soil begins to thaw and the air becomes infused with the promise of new life, hibiscus plants respond exuberantly to these favorable conditions.Hardy Giant Hibiscus Species Information Lifespan – Can live up to 50 years or more when planted in optimal conditions. Type – Deciduous. Soil Requirements – Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to acidic, moist, rich, and fertile soil with full sun exposure.Perennial hibiscus loves water. Water them twice a week for the first season, and once a week after that. It’s tough to give them too much water. Tropical hibiscus in pots should be kept consistently moist.Hardy hibiscus is adapted to colder climates, thriving in USDA Zones 5–8. Unlike tropical types, hardy hibiscus naturally die back to the ground each winter.Container plants dry out more quickly, so if you have Hibiscus in a pot or container, expect to water it every 2 days. Hot temperatures or a dry spell can cause the soil to dry out more quickly, so the Hibiscus will need more frequent watering.
Is hardy hibiscus easy to grow?
In the North, hardy hibiscus dies back to the ground after the first freeze, but once warm weather returns in the spring they pop out of the ground like a Jack-in-a box. The plants are also resistant to insects, diseases, and hungry deer. It’s a must-have perennial for anyone who loves big, easy-care flowers. All hibiscus types need to be watered every couple of days for the first few weeks after planting to help them get settled. Perennial hibiscus loves water. Water them twice a week for the first season, and once a week after that. It’s tough to give them too much water.This hibiscus is known for its invasive potential in certain regions. In the United States, it has been reported as invasive in several states, including Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. Its ability to self-seed and spread aggressively can lead to it outcompeting native species.Sow hibiscus seeds indoors 10-14 weeks before last spring frost date using a seed starting kit. Soak seeds in room temperature water for about 8 hours to speed germination.Hardy hibiscus is best planted in a full sun spot with well-drained, acidic soil enriched with compost. If grown in full sun in hot climates, consider providing shade for a respite from the beating sun.If you want to get really bushy and full Hibiscus plants, when the shoots start to come out of the ground and are about 6-10 inches tall, pinch them in half. The pinch should be made just above a set of leaves, this will improve branching. Improved branching will yield more flowers.
How to sow hardy hibiscus seeds?
Soak the seeds overnight or lightly nick the hard outer covering (seed coat) before planting. Plant the seeds in a warm (70 degree), moist and sterile seed starting mix. Harden off and move transplants into the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Another option is to tuck seeds directly into soil outdoors. Planting seeds this way is called direct sowing, and it is an easy process that yields great results.Sow the large seed ½ inch deep into well-draining soil and keep it at 60% humidity in full sun or under lamps. Germination usually takes between 3-5 days. After 4-5 weeks, transplant into larger pots, taking care not to disrupt the taproot.If you plan to soak seeds, wait until a day or so before you plan to plant them indoors or outdoors. The seeds should not remain in water for more than 8-12 hours. Before you get carried away and submerge all your seeds, examine the seeds and read the planting instructions on the package.You can plant the seeds directly outdoors in the garden in spring. Wait until the danger of frost has passed. Or start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting outside for an earlier start to the growing season. Soak the seeds overnight or lightly nick the hard outer covering (seed coat) before planting.
What do hardy hibiscus seed pods look like?
A: As the growing season winds down, look for seed pods on your hardy hibiscus—brown pods that should feel dry to the touch. Wait until the pod is fully brown and dry to harvest, as the seeds need to mature. Do not harvest the pod early and green, or the seeds won’t be viable. Hibiscus seeds should be started indoors 8 – 10 weeks prior to the end of frost season. The seeds do best with a gentle nicking of the outer coat and being soaked for 8 – 12 hours prior to planting.Plant in a tray or pot. Plant seeds about a quarter-inch deep in your potting mix, and keep in warm, sunny conditions—at least 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. After two to three weeks, your hibiscus seedlings should sprout.There are a few ways to fertilize Hibiscus. One option is in the spring; apply a layer of compost around the base of the plant. Or apply fertilizer with 10-4-12, 9-3-13 or 10-10-10 around the base of the hibiscus. Be careful not to add too much fertilizer, too much phosphorous will kill hibiscus.My hardy hibiscus plants are planted in native soil enriched with compost and are in full-sun all day. Hibiscus plants should be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart; these plants can grow up to 72 inches tall and up to 3 feet wide. Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep into well-draining soil.
Should I soak hibiscus seeds before planting?
The seeds do best with a gentle nicking of the outer coat and being soaked for 8 – 12 hours prior to planting. It is traditional to soak some seeds before planting them. Soaking can accelerate germination and increase the proportion of seeds that successfully germinate. Seeds have evolved a protective coating around the embryo so the embryo can survive being dispersed by some means.Only larger seeds with tough exterior coatings should be soaked. Tiny seeds with thin outer shells do not require soaking. Soaking tiny seeds can cause them to clump together, making them almost impossible to sow.
Can I plant hardy hibiscus seeds in the fall?
Plant Brilliant Hibiscus in Fall It’s not too late to enjoy some amazing hardy hibiscus flowers in your garden, but hurry because they’re active now. Both hardy and tropical hibiscus plants need special care in fall to survive the winter, but how much depends on which hibiscus you are growing. In winter, hardy hibiscus can remain outdoors with a few precautions to keep harsh weather from damaging or killing it, while tropical hibiscus should be overwintered indoors.Hardy hibiscus loves the sun and most especially the heat, which explains its habit of skipping early spring and waiting until June to get out of bed. After finally emerging, it catches up quickly, reaching heights of three to five feet, depending on the cultivar.Although they often thrive in completely sunny locations, hibiscus do not actually need as much direct sunlight as is commonly thought. Our own experiments have shown that 2 hours per day of direct sunlight is enough to stimulate blooming, even indoors through a window!For the most part, hibiscus are pretty tolerant. But, because it is a tropical plant, it’s best to protect it from temperatures below about 50F (10C) or so. Tropical hibiscus can survive dips in temperature, but may show damage or even die back if it drops below about 35F (1. C).