Propagation: Are these hibiscus seeds viable?, 1 by

wrote:
Yes, nicking and soaking does speed up germination for any hard seeds, like those of Hibiscus. I have always done that. This year I germinated them in a moist kitchen paper towel stored in a zip lock baggie, instead of sowing in soil.

Seed do not have to be fresh either. Often older seeds germinate better. I sowed Hibiscus seeds that I purchased from Parks in 2004. Only one sprouted in soil then. I started some of the leftover seeds (now 5 years old) this past spring. Nicked, soaked, then in a moist kitchen towel inserted in a baggie and left at room temp. They sprouted in 2 days.

I did many different varieties of perennials the same way. Some were placed in the fridge for stratification. I had more luck with the paper/baggie method than when sown in soil. After 40 years sowing seeds, I learned something new. The only way to go.

Below is the photo of Hibiscus seeds after 2 days in the moist towel just prior to potting up.