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.
Related
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
April 3, 2024
Garden Trends
Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI
April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now
April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now
April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds:
A Gardener’s Perspective
Glendale, WI
April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now
April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More