Hibiscus (Hibiscus Trionum) - If you enjoy large, dramatic flowers in the landscape, you will want to start Hibiscus seeds! This Hibiscus plant grows as an annual, but in frost free zones or if wintered indoors, will grow as a perennial. It provides exotic, large 3 - 4 inch silvery blooms with chocolate-purple centers. These large, showing blooms are short-lived but constantly are being replaced with fresh, new blooms. Heat tolerant and a lover of full sun, this well-branched, bushy plant is a stand out in the summer garden!

Growing Hibiscus seeds is not complicated. Start the flower seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost is predicted. Most gardeners recommend nicking the seeds with a knife and soaking them over night in warm water. Sow the flower seeds into small pots or starter trays using well-draining, sterile potting mix. Lightly cover the seed and keep moist, but not soggy. Keeping the temperature consistently warm and the soil consistently moist will aid germination. After seedlings have developed and there are several sets of true leaves with the stems having begun to harden and become woody, the young Hibiscus plant can be moved to larger pots or to a protected place in the garden. These tender young plants should be introduced to the sun gradually over several days.

SOWING:
Season: Perennial
Sowing: March - April
Height: 14 - 20 inches (35 - 50 cm)
Bloom Season: Summer to early autumn
Bloom Color: White
Environment: Full sun
Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Deer Resistant: No
Temperature: 21C (70F)
Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
Light Required: Yes
Depth: Cover lightly, seed should be visible
Moisture: Keep seed moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 12 - 18 inches (30 - 40 cm)