Without doubt, perennial hibiscus is the showstopper of the landscape. This herbaceous plant is grown for its large blooms that beautify a yard and provide a season of brilliant color without fail. Its flowers can reach up to 10 inches wide and vary from red to purple, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. In winter, the entire plant dies back but sends out new shoots in spring when the soil warms. It is used mainly as a focal point and often planted in a manner to serve as an informal hedge. Perennial hibiscus can be grown by division, cuttings and seed propagation, which is the easiest method.
Cut a small piece from the outer shell of one perennial hibiscus seed, exposing the seed's white interior. Use a utility knife to make that cut.
Soak the seed in water between 24 and 48 hours.
Fill a container, which has drainage holes, with a sterile peat mix.
Plant the seed at a depth of ½ inch in the container's sterile peat mix.
Turn on a heat mat, and set it to heat to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When the heat mat's temperature reaches 80 F, place the container on the heat mat.
Water the container's sterile peat mix thoroughly using a spray bottle to avoid moving the peat mix. Keep the peat mix moist as the seed germinates.
Things You Will Need
- Perennial hibiscus seed
- Utility knife
- Small bowl or glass
- Container with drainage holes
- Sterile peat mix
- Heat mat
- Spray bottle
- When germinating a perennial hibiscus seed indoors, keep its container in a shady area.
- An alternative germination method is to winter-sow a perennial hibiscus seed by planting it in the ground outdoors about early February. No preparation is needed for this method.
- Overwatering a planted seed will rot it.
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