Harvesting seeds is a cost-effective and rewarding garden task that can help you grow more of the plants you love. While it may seem daunting, collecting seeds is a simple and straightforward activity, with the key being to know the right time to harvest. One plant that many gardeners love to grow is the hibiscus. With its vibrant blooms and easy care requirements, hibiscus is a popular choice for many gardeners. If you already know how to grow hibiscus, you’ll be pleased to learn that growing hibiscus from seed is just as easy. By saving and storing hibiscus seeds, you can ensure a beautiful display of these stunning shrubs in your garden for years to come.
When it comes to harvesting hibiscus seeds, timing is crucial. To successfully collect hibiscus seeds, you’ll need to leave fading blooms on the plant. While deadheading is a common practice, removing old flowers from your hibiscus shrub can prevent it from producing seeds. According to plant expert Tatiana Anderson, hibiscus seeds ripen throughout the year, depending on the species. Most hibiscus shrubs will develop seed pods once the blooms fade and the petals drop. The key is to keep a close eye on the seed pods and harvest them when they turn brown, appear slightly dry, and are just about to crack open. It’s important to monitor the seed pods regularly to ensure that the seeds are not scattered or lost.
Once your hibiscus seeds are dark in color and relatively loose in their pods, it’s time to harvest them. Using clean, sharp tools, carefully remove the pods from the plant, snipping about an inch below the pod. After collecting the seed pods in a container, it’s time to clean the seeds. Gently work the seed pods between your fingers to free the seeds from their bond, placing the clean seeds in one container and the chaff in another. Allow the seeds to dry out for a few days before storing them in paper envelopes. Be sure to label and date the envelopes so you can keep track of what you’ve harvested.
Properly harvested, dried, and stored hibiscus seeds can remain viable for several years. It’s recommended to use them within two years for the best chances of success, but older seeds have been known to germinate and grow into healthy plants. Learning how to harvest hibiscus seeds is a fun and free way to grow more of the plants you love. Consider collecting seeds from other flowering plants as well, such as zinnias, cosmos, or calendula, for a diverse and beautiful garden.