Best time of year to start seeds

I have a bunch of Hardy Hibiscus seeds and was wondering the best method and time of year to start these? Zone 7

Crystal I find the best time is about 6-8 weeks before Spring... probably about the first of February in your area. The seedlings should then be big enough to go in the ground after the last frost, and grow full size by the end of summer.

Do the seeds need any special prep? Soaking, etc.?

not at all....the hardy hibiscus are some of the easiest seeds of all to sow. Just put them about 1/2" down into moist potting soil in small containers and let them sprout. you can transplant into larger containers when they are larger.

I can tell you that they are super easy to gernimate. I planted a pinch of seeds thinking that only half would grow and now I have 20+ seedlings growing on the back porch.

Thanks! I have so seed pods I'm not sure what to do with them all.