Does anybody know how long it takes.......................

Does anybody know how long it takes for Althea to flower when grown from seed? I have found the info on getting these to germinate but nothing was said about how long it takes to get a bloom. Thanks in advance for any help! :-)


Melissa

Probably a couple years. I have several around the yard that have started from seeds scattered by the birds and wind. In most cases they have bloomed the second or third year.

Thanks, charliemcg. I just started collecting seeds from mine for other people and they are all asking me and I couldn't find the info. to share.

Melissa

I've never done any from seeds, but I have suttings it took this summer that have buds on them now.

I've never done any from seeds, but I have cuttings it took this summer that have buds on them now.

some sites hopefully will help answer some question:
http://altnature.com/gallery/Mallows.htm
http://www.streetside.com/plants/floridata/ref/h/hibisc_s.htm

Athea from seeds - many of mine bloom the following year, when put in full sun. If you want a easy way of making more Athea's in summer about June I take new growth cuttings and some thin harder wood cuttings, "no root tone needed" unless you want to help things along a tad faster. My cuttings are about 4 inches long, stuck in humus soil with 30% sand. The area they go in is shaded (filter light)and cool -until they root out, I water them heavy (flooding them) when first putting them into the soil - than I make sure the soil stays moist. You will get a fast return on the Athea and roots only take about 2 weeks to start. I have rooted both from seeds and cuttings, but cuttings have given me a 3 foot plant within one year and most with flowers. Seeds come along much slower. Out of all the 50+ cuttings I have done, never has one died. The seeds hast to have more attention and the water hast to be watched much closer, I have lost many doing them by seeds, because I get side track away from them on a daily bases.
Just the same I hope this helps, and I will be wishing for yours to bloom sooner than later.
Sheryl