Suggestions on starting Hibs from seed

I don't usually have much luck starting things from seed, but my unknown pink swamp hibiscus has blessed me with tons of seeds. I want to start them but would like to actually have some success this time. I welcome your advice! If anyone wants some seeds, let me know, I have more than I can ever plant.

wait until Feb. to start the seeds.Soak in warm water overnight and use bottom heat to speed them up.Usually takes 10 days or more for them to germinate. Remember they grow in swamps so don't let them dry out while germinating.

:-)

Eclipse,
Would these grow well in an area that my washing machine drains out?

Not eclipse....but, I am not sure about how the seeds or small plants would do, but I know I moved one of mine close to my air conditioning unit, which is a moist area and it gets this hot air blowing on it ......it LOVES it. It has done so well there.

The only thing I would worry about is whether or not the water has some detergent, bleach, etc. But then again...I see people using those things to help their plants....so I am not sure about it.

lol.....I really wasnt much help, was I?

Thanks luv2dig2006. I actually try to use as little of the detergents and bleaches as possible. I try to use more of the biodegradable stuff. I would love to be able to make a second use of the water.

Try one there and see what happens. thats all you can do. :-)

What a great idea! My AC unit is right next to my deck, and while I have put some pine bark around it, I'll bet one of these would love that location and I would so love to see those pretty flowers instead of wet pine bark!

Like I said, mine had really done well in that area, and really if you think of them as being tropical, it makes sense they would thrive in that type of area. I also have this big ugly unit, so on the other side that I have to look at.....I put in 2 wooden palets that were just a tad taller than the unit, threw in some cypress vine and after only about a month or so with that super growing vine, no more ugly unit! Until of course, I have to walk in front of it...lol.

Here is a tip for starting your hib seeds: take about half the seeds you want to plant and store them in a plastic or paper bag in the freezer until late winter/early spring. Sow them in a flat of potting soil cover lightly, water and place the flat in a bright, warm spot. A greenhouse would be ideal, but a sunny window will do too. Warmth is need to get them to germinate and it can up to 30 days or more for a high percentage of the seeds to sprout.

Take the rest of your fresh seeds(this year's crop) and soak them overnight in warm water. Sow them in a seed flat. Cover lightly with potting mix. Cover the containers with some clear plastic or dome cover and keep in a bright, but not direct sun. With warm days and nights(temps above 70 degrees) you should have some seedlings in 7-10 days. The seeds will continue to sprout over the next couple to 3 weeks. Transplant the seedlings once they a set of true leaves. Good luck!

Ray

Ray,

You are THE man this evening!! Thanks so much for the information, I know what I will be doing tomorrow (anything that keeps me outside to be honest!! ).

Rhonda