Learning how to germinate hibiscus seeds are relatively easy – given that you follow the directions right. Once you succeed, you’ll be able to give your British garden a boost of colour and life. If you’re one of the many people who are looking for a guide in germinating and growing hibiscus plants, you’ve come to the right place.
Hibiscus is a type of flowering plant that produces different colours of flowers, depending on the variety. But more than the appearance and the beauty they add to a UK garden, hibiscus is also packed with many benefits. According to Healthline, hibiscus plants could aid in relieving conditions such as an upset stomach, high blood pressure, and even fever.
With that, it’s no wonder why many people are looking to plant and grow it successfully. Read on to learn more about it.
Germinating Hibiscus Seeds
If you’re planning on growing hibiscus from seeds, it’s best to start the process at least 14 weeks before the date of the last frost. UK experts also recommend that you begin germinating the seeds indoors. If you’re growing them from seeds, here are the steps you need to follow:
Step #1: Nick the top of the seeds
Although not necessary, nicking the seeds of your hibiscus plant will help the seed absorb water better. It provides a better and more reliable way of making sure that your hibiscus seeds will germinate. Insurance that hibiscus seeds will germinate is because once the water enters the seed, it will signal the embryo inside the seed to start germinating.
Step #2: Soak the nicked seeds in water
Once you have nicked the seeds, the next step is to put the seeds in water. Please leave them in the container for at least an hour. For better results, you can leave them soaked overnight.
Step #3: Fill a small pot or container with potting mix
Prepare your soil mixture, but don’t add fertiliser to it. Ensure that your container has a drainage hole that ensures that all the water from the mixture will be able to drain through it. If you’re planning on germinating many seeds at a time, you can opt to use celled trays to separate the seeds and avoid nutrient competition.
Step #4: Plant hibiscus seeds
With the potting soil ready, place the soaked seeds on the soil at about ¼ to ½ inch. Make sure that the soil is moist enough but also not too wet. Hibiscus seeds won’t thrive on overwatered soil because they can cause the developing roots to rot.
Step #5: Provide heat and cover the pot or tray with plastic
Germinating hibiscus seeds need heat to thrive. If you can’t find it in your British area, where it will receive at least 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit of heat, place it on a polytunnel in a heat mat. To ensure that the humidity and temperature are maintained, put plastic on top of your pot or tray.
Check your plant’s growth daily. As the stems start showing signs of becoming woody, you can start feeding your plant with diluted half-strength water-soluble fertilisers in small amounts. Under the right conditions, your hibiscus plant should start sprouting within a week to a month. Once the plant grows big enough, you can begin placing them outdoors where they can continue growing.
Germinating Hibiscus in Semi-Pro Greenhouses: 3 Reasons to Do It
Did you know that one way of improving your hibiscus germination success is to place your seeds inside a semi-pro greenhouse? While you can directly sow the seeds in the UK garden, sometimes, temperature fluctuations can hinder your seeds from germinating and growing.
If you constantly face this ordeal, then polytunnel gardening might be the best choice for you. Here are three reasons why you should do it:
Reason #3: Provide heat during the winter
Since hibiscus plants love to thrive in warmer climates, they must receive a significant amount of heat during germination. Starting your seeds inside a semi-pro polytunnel allows you to do this. With the help of some heating pads, you can provide warmth and protection for your growing plants all year long.
Reason #2: Greenhouses protect against pests and predators
When growing seeds directly in the UK garden, squirrels, beavers, rats, deer, and other animals could eat your seed and growing plants. Other than that, pests could also eat the tissues of your growing hibiscus. With a semi-pro greenhouse, you can offer ample protection for your germinating seeds and growing seedlings and make sure that they will have a chance to grow into a beautiful flowering plant.
Reason #3: Provide an optimum environment for plants
Since hibiscus plants love to thrive in warmer climates, they must receive a significant amount of heat throughout their germination. Starting your seeds inside a semi-pro polytunnel allows you to do this with great ease. With the help of some heating pads, you can provide warmth and protection for your young plants all year long.
Final Thoughts on How to Germinate Hibiscus Seeds
Hibiscus plants aren’t known for their only beautiful blooms and their wide variety of health benefits. It’s no wonder why a lot of growers are keen on learning how to germinate hibiscus seeds. Using the steps outlined above, you can start growing your hibiscus plant and enjoy its beauty and health benefits in no time.