
Will Hardy Hibiscus Come True from Seed
I have several hardy hibiscus with seed pods. If I harvest the seeds and plant them next spring will they produce new plants or is this a hybrid and I will get something else?
Most of the hardy hibiscus sold in the garden centers and catalogues are cultivars (cultivated varieties) of Scarlet Rose Mallow (Hibiscus coccineus) or Swamp Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos). Collecting and planting seed from these may result in offspring that look different from the parent. If you like surprises give it a try. Collect seeds as the pods dry and start to split. Some gardeners have had success planting freshly harvested seeds right in the garden. You may also want to collect and store the seeds in an opaque air tight container in the refrigerator for the winter. Soak the seed for 24 hours before planting. 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.
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