tips for sowing hibiscus calyphyllus

I collected seed from this plant over the summer. I tried sowing into damp seed starting medium on a heat mat and covered for humidity, but I didn't get any germination. I started TX star hibiscus the same way and got excellent germination. Should I maybe soak these first or is there something I am missing?

Thanks, Kim

I wish I could help you. I started Simply love, Dbl pink Conf Rose and Blue Bird Rose of Sharon all the exact same way you did and I got nothing. I was annoyed and went back to the old way, in covered flats. So far I have 2 Militaris, 1 bi-color, 1 pink , 1 Taiwanianas and 1 yellow. Not a very good germination rate, but at least I have something. I hop some one that KNOWS answers your question. I would love to know what I am doing wrong! :0)

Check his thread--sounds like it works well. Ed
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/677709/

Thanks! I soaked some overnight and planted them, I'll see if I get anything from them first. If not I think I will try that. Interestingly enough, they mention having trouble with TX star, but that one germinated really easy for me. I wonder if it had to do with the freshness of the seed?

Kim

Thank you King. I will try that method.

I've got germination on hibiscus calyphyllus and hibiscus confederate rose! I nicked the seeds and then soaked them overnight. Took about a week for germination. Still waiting on germination for the disco bell seeds.

:) Kim

Thanks Kim. I will confess that I am terrified at the thought of nicking the seeds. I am so afraid that I will damage it. What do you use?
Sheila :o)

Hi sheila, its easy if you dont have too many to do.
Heres a link showing one way to do it...
http://internationalhibiscussociety.org/wmvfiles/MOVIE4.wmv

I have about 8 seedlings of each of the hibiscus calyphyllus and confederate rose. I also now have 3 seedlings come up for the disco bell. I nicked the seeds using a narrow knife that I have, just a light quick slice across the top of the seed, not too deep. This has worked for me for many things, but each person has their own way of doing it. I'm so happy these all germinated!

:) Kim

Hi all,

Thought i would share my way of nicking the seeds No chance of cutting you own fingers this way. I use a pair of needle nose pliers and just clip a small piece off of the end with the little nipple and I have had very good luck, I also left them in the water til they germinated. Now the trick for me is to get them planted and keeping them alive. By the way I did this to approx 70 hibiscus, week to germinating, 68 cannas a week to week and a half for germinate, and 320 morning glories now these guys they germinated in about 2-3 days. Wow was i suprised and not ready for them yet. No tomarrow I will have to get them all planted.


Hope this helps
Beck