Hibiscus Seeds - plant in fall or spring?

Hi. I don't know much about hibiscus, I'm mostly a vegetable gardener.

I guess there are "tender" and "hardy" hibiscus? I've wondered about that because we used to live in Southern California, and had some yellow hibiscus planted by the south wall of our house. They were awfully tender - they'd freeze back if the night time temperature even reached 30.

Then in 1990 we moved to Missouri (zone 6a), and there are hibiscus everywhere. These must be a hardy type, because they come back from the roots every spring.

My question: my mom has had to go into a nursing home, and we're going to be selling her house. She has some "hardy" pink hibiscus that we want to plant at our house, and I've collected seeds this week. How do I start those? Should I plant them inside in the fall and transplant outside in the spring, or do I plant the seeds in the spring? Thanks.

Hi.
I'm in z 6 and I wintersowed mine in the late winter. They took a long time to really sprout and then a bit longer to start really showing some growth. But now they are looking great and have buds on them. They've been in pots outside since the beginning but I'll be planting them soon.
Lora

I am interested in what everyone has to say about this, as well. I planted an unknown pink hardy when we moved here last year, and it died down over the winter, only to come back like gangbusters all summer. I have collected tons of seeds and just couldn't wait to try to start some. I planted 8 seeds so far and two have sprouted, one has 3 sets of leaves and is growing like a weed! I'm wondering if I need to overwinter these babies inside or go ahead and get them in the ground so they can get a head start on next year. From what I've been reading, I probably should have waited to plant them. Oh well, I have LOTS more seeds. I'll share if anybody wants some!

I have some plain 'Walmart' hibiscus in a pot and am trying to learn how to make them happier. There are actually about 4 plants in the pot. I have never even seen seeds. The blooms fall off immediately after blooming... no seed pod area left. What is the best way to winter these? I usually put this pot in my garage with a sun light and heater to keep it alive through the winter. Is this necessary? Are they difficult to start from seed? Where would I find seed? I have never seen them in the store. Guardians, I would love a few hardy pink seeds.. my mother has a red but has been unable to find a pink and she LOVES pink. I think they are a beautiful plant and would love to grow some more.

Tammie

Tammie, send me a D-mail with your address and your seeds will be on the way! I just checked this afternoon and another has sprouted. So far, 3 out of 8 planted. I have never seen Hibiscus seeds in a store, either. Here's a picture of my pink. http://davesgarden.com/pf/showimage/123156/

wow! That pink bloom is beautiful. I hope I can get some to grow that pretty color.

Tammie