How to Germinate Hibiscus Syriacus Shrub Seed

Tie a paper bag over the Hibiscus Syriacus shrub's seedpod when it begins to turn brown. Encase the entire pod in the paper bag and gently tie it closed with cotton twine. Open the paper bag every day to look inside and see if the seedpod has split open. When the seedpod splits open, gather the seeds.

Wrap the seeds in a moist paper towel. Place the rolled paper towel full of seeds into a plastic bag. Open the plastic bag after five to seven days and remove the paper towel. Unroll the paper towel to look at the seeds. Viable seeds swell and produce small roots. If none of the seeds show signs of germinating, roll them back up in the moist paper towel and put them back into the plastic bag. Re-check the seeds every two days over the course of two weeks to determine if any of the seeds are viable. Remove the viable seeds to plant.

Fill a starter tray with potting soil that is high in organic matter. Lay the germinating seeds on the soil and lightly cover with soil. Water the seeds and keep them lightly moist to encourage germination.

Place the starter tray in a greenhouse. If you do not own a greenhouse, place the pot in a location or window that receives full sun.

Transplant the seedlings into their own individual pots when they stand about 3 inches tall. Plant each seedling in its own pot at the same depth it was planted in its starter tray. Keep the seedling in a greenhouse or window that receives full sunlight. Transplant the seedling into the garden when it is 1-year-old.