My first Hibiscus!!!

Well I think that is the beggining of spring here as far as I know. But then again what do I know I am a yankee from up north..........lol. But that is when I plan on starting mine.

I started some in March one year. They didn't take a long time to germinate. It was fun. Course, I'm a "yank" from up north ;) . I don't know what your lowest night time temps are there in Pensacola in "winter" but you may be able to direct sow them..... either way, I would allow them 6 weeks in frig - don't know if that's necessary, but some seeds require a "cooling off" period to germinate... once they were about 3 inches tall I put them into a larger 2-4 in. pot. then once the ground warms up, out the go for good.

Hey AuntB,

Thanks for the imformation on them I did not know they needed a cooling off period I will put my seeds in the fridge then for 6 weeks. It is suppose to go down in the 40's sometimes it may frost here. I hope not this year..........lol

I'm still trying to figure out what James's plant is... If it's not Bon Temps - I thought maybe Simple Pleasures, but it isn't ruffly enough to be simple pleasures.......

They will do fine outside, once established, but the baby plants would not make it in a freeze. They need to have a good healthy root ball. I'm NOT sure the seeds need a cooling off, James, but they won't mind being in the frig, even if they don't need the cold period.

I am new to these so this one I have not a clue as to what it is I am watching the Hibisus forum and I am slowly learning what they are as far as their species.

If we are speaking of the Texas Star, it won't need a cooling period. I am holding these until I am positive they are dry. If I package and they are not....they will mold and that is the end. I leave the plant in the ground.

Hey LouC,

Can I plant my seeds directly outdoors that you are sending me?

James

I would think so. I would wait until it is the beginning of spring. When the ground is cool they stand more of a chance of rotting. I usually wait until the nights are consistently around 60 degrees. Now I am not a master gardener nor anything close. I have learned an awful lot the last two years from DG but I am still a novice. I have tried the peat pots and have nothing but damp off and that is very frustrating. I garden sort of helter skelter with the seed. Buy lots of packages....mix them up in the same bowl add cornmeal and broadcast like feeding chickens over a well prepared bed. So much fun. I get a thrill watching the seed germinate. Of course, keep them damp...not wet. Have learned that there is not short cut ........must have a well prepared ground or you get very poor results.

Well thanks LouC I will do that then I can see how that should happen. I will wait till the weather stays around 60 * then.