Hibiscus: Hardy hibiscus in Georgia, 1 by

wrote:
Mike I never sowed hibiscus seeds without first nicking them so no answer to give you on that. As far as nicked seeds, I soaked them in handhot water overnight, allowing the water to cool naturally. Planted them in the paper towel the following evening. It took 2 days to sprout, see photo in my post above. I don't know if this short germination time is normal, or it depends upon the variety of hibiscus. You do need to nick to allow moisture into the seed for it to swell.

Sorry, I forgot to mention to cut the paper towel in 1/2 first. Then fold it in half twice and you should have a square. It doesn't have to be square as long as the seeds lay between 4 layers of paper towel to prevent from drying out and to cushion them. Open the last fold and place the seeds on the side of the fold. Now refold the napkin over the seeds.

The only reason I say to blow into the bag is so that the plastic isn't laying on the paper towel inside the bag and mat it down. The bag serves as an ultra mini greenhouse. I have no idea if the carbon dioxide does any good. But sure can't hurt.

I would check your seeds every day, starting on the 2nd day. They can sprout overnight.

I did some open pollinated daylily seeds the same way to test them. They sprouted in 2 weeks in cool temp on my window sill. They are now 1-1/2" tall, potted. Although an experiment, I couldn't toss them and spring is soooooo far away.

skwinter Yes, the water for soaking is hand hot first, then allowed to cool naturally overnight.

Glad you got the heating pad. That should work. Keep us posted on how your experiments turns out.

Photo is of the daylily seeds Oct 21 just before planting up. The 4th one would have sprouted also since it is swelled but 3 was enough.