How to Grow Hibiscus

Hibiscus Germination Information

Hibiscus is the botanical name for Swamp Rose Mallow
Hibiscus Seed Germination How to Sow Hibiscus:
  • Best sown indoors at 68-72° at a depth of 4 times the diameter of the seeds
  • Soaking seeds in water before sowing helps germination
  • Expect germination in 10-15 days
  • Can also be sown outdoors in spring after danger of frost is past. Soil temperature must be warm
  • When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed
  • Outdoors, seeds will germinate in 12-18 days

How to Grow Hibiscus:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

Spacing: Space seedlings 2-3 feet apart in full sun in a moist, well-drained garden soil

Soil: Tolerant of slightly alkaline soils

Temperature: Tolerant of heat and humidity

Additional Care: To control the vigorous growth, plants may be pinched at planting and again when new growth is 2 inches long

Appearance and Use:

A toweringly tall and upright perennial (8 feet tall by 2-3 feet wide) for the backs of sunny borders and naturalized areas. The 8 inch diameter flowers open in summer in colors of crimson, pink, or white. The green, 4-10 inch long leaves are ovate to lanceolate and have toothed margins


About Hibiscus:
Pronunciation:  hi-bis’kus mos-kew’tos
Lifecycle:  Perennial
Origination: Malvaceae; native to the eastern United States
Common Name: Swamp Rose Mallow