How to Germinate Perennial Hibiscus

There is a type of hibiscus for tropical and subtropical gardeners: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. These are the big, beautiful flowers so closely associated with Hawaii. Then, there are the hardy hibiscus plants -- Hibiscus moscheuto and H. syriacus -- whose flowers, resemble those of tropical hibiscus. Just as the tropical hibiscus may be killed back in frosty weather, the hardy hibiscus may not tolerate the extra hot summers in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and above. Both types of hibiscus are perennial plants -- plants that live for two or more years -- and both have seeds that are easy to germinate.

Germinating container
Sterile seed germination mix
Utility knife or scalpel
Heat mat

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a germinating container for the tropical hibiscus seeds. Some growers recommend individual peat pots in which up to four seeds can be planted. Any container will suffice, as long as it has holes in the bottom for water drainage.
- 2
  Fill the container with the sterile seed starting mix. A mix with peat moss as the predominant ingredient is ideal. Water the mix and allow it to drain.
- 3
  Use a utility knife or scalpel to cut a small piece from the round end of the hibiscus seed outer coat. Be very careful not to cut into the seed too deep; just snip a small corner of the seed to expose the white part beneath it.
- 4
  Push the hibiscus seeds 1/2 inch into the soil. Set the container on a heat mat, in a lightly shaded area, that's preheated to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 5
  Avoid overwatering while the seeds germinate. Give them just enough water to keep moist. Spraying the mix with water from a spray bottle is an ideal way to control how much water is given. Hardy hibiscus seeds sprout within two weeks. Tropical hibiscus seeds typically take a bit longer -- about one month.

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