How to grow herbaceous hibiscus from seeds. Hibiscus from seeds Hibiscus Chinese doctor growing from seeds
Hibiscus is a genus of plants of the Malvaceae family, often called Chinese rose or Egyptian rose, although they, of course, have nothing to do with Rosaceae. Hibiscus has become widespread as a cultivated plants thanks to its unusual flowers and unpretentiousness when growing.
Peculiarities
The main thing when growing hibiscus is to choose a suitable container and place where it will grow. It is better to avoid direct sunlight when placing it.
Caring for this plant is easy; it is also important not to let the soil dry out, because it is an inhabitant of humid African tropical forests.
Hibiscus usually blooms early spring, blooms for quite a long time. The developed plant does not lose its attractiveness even in winter, resembling a small evergreen tree.
Propagating the flower is quite simple. You can do this using cuttings - cut branches. Dividing the bush gives a good result, so from one overgrown hibiscus you can get several already quite developed specimens at once. But hibiscus is also famous for one more feature - its ability to produce numerous viable seeds even with indoor growing, which is not at all typical for tropical plants that find themselves in such conditions.
What do the seeds look like?
After flowering, hibiscus forms round pods with seeds. When ripe, they dry out and begin to open, throwing out seeds. They are difficult to confuse with seeds of other indoor or garden plants. ornamental crops. They look quite massive, although the seed size usually does not exceed 3 mm. Normally ripened seeds are dark brown, almost black in color. The shape of the seed, close to the shape of a circle, is slightly pointed in the lower part, where the embryo is located, so some gardeners compare it with the symbolic figure of a heart.
The main difficulty is not to miss the moment of opening of the fruit. Collecting spilled seeds is not at all easy. The color of the fruit will indicate the ripening of the fruit. The pods gradually lose their green color, becoming brown. Some gardeners suggest covering the plant with open paper bags at this time, which will catch the falling seeds. In this case, ripening will be natural, which will allow you to obtain more viable seeds.
It is also possible to collect fruit pods with their further drying and artificial opening with a knife. The seeds do not ripen at the same time, so their color will be different. In this case, there is a danger that some of the seeds will be unripe. However, this method completely eliminates accidental losses; the yield of planting material ultimately turns out to be almost the same as in the first case. Collected seeds you have to sort and sort it out manually. This is necessary to exclude unripe or damaged specimens. Undrained seeds can cause mold and rot to spread.
Beginning flower growers often save all the seeds they receive, valuing the first positive results of breeding Chinese rose. However, practice shows that pity in this case is inappropriate, since low-quality seed material can cause serious disappointment, since most often it does not live up to expectations. And if the plant miraculously sprouts, growing a weakened sprout will be very difficult.
Pros and cons of growing
Breeding hibiscus using seeds is the most natural way their reproduction. Its main advantages can be considered simplicity. It is not at all difficult to obtain viable seeds in the case of hibiscus; it will bloom quite quickly, already in the first year. It is not necessary to create special conditions for watering, lighting or air humidity. It is relatively easy to grow a flowering and fruiting plant at home. Propagation by seeds makes it possible to stop the spread of infections that can infect a plant and penetrate all its organs. Therefore, viruses will be present in the cuttings with which hibiscus can be propagated.
Have seed method reproduction and negative aspects. It will not be possible to obtain a copy of the mother plant in this way. During sexual reproduction, hereditary characteristics are combined randomly, this is a way to increase the diversity of forms, which is very important for the preservation of the species in its natural habitat. When buying hibiscus seeds, you may encounter a low-quality product, for example, spoiled or insufficiently mature seeds. There is never enough confidence that a plant will grow from the purchased planting material with exactly the properties indicated in the description.
Preparation
To grow hibiscus from seeds, you should seriously prepare for this. You will also need some equipment. First of all, you need a wooden or plastic box. It needs to be filled to half its depth with a nutrient substrate - specially prepared soil. You will also need a watering container with a spray function (a simple sprayer or spray bottle will do). In order to create a greenhouse effect, you need to prepare a glass of suitable size or a piece of transparent plastic, or in extreme cases, polyethylene.
Before planting, it is recommended to subject hibiscus seeds to a stratification procedure.– placement in artificial winter conditions. It is believed that this stimulates the beginning of embryonic development. It's done like this. The prepared seeds are placed in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for about 1 hour. Then wet sand is placed in the container with them, and all this should be stored in the refrigerator. In such conditions, the seed remains for up to 2 weeks.
During this time, it is necessary to prepare the soil. At home, these plants grow on acidic soil. When forming soil, you need to periodically measure its acidity. It is a good idea to enrich the soil with calcium. You should also not forget about drainage, so it is better to fill the bottom part of the container in which you plan to sow seeds with expanded clay. Fill containers soil mixture follows three quarters.
Landing
Seeds prepared by stratification must be germinated. When the soil is ready, you can sow. Before sowing, the soil in the pot must be moistened; it is better to do this by spraying. The seeds are placed on a layer of soil, then sprinkled with loose soil of the same composition up to 1.5 cm thick. The resulting surface must be sprayed again.
It is necessary to germinate in a room with an air temperature of about 28°C. A good result can be obtained if you take the container with germinating seeds out onto a glassed-in balcony. When persistent hot weather sets in, if you do not open the windows at night, the temperature can reach very high levels already in the early morning hours. It is also easy to create satisfactory lighting conditions on a balcony or loggia. Otherwise, you will have to organize artificial lighting for germinating seeds. Otherwise, the sprouts will come out thin and brittle.
The container in which the seeds germinate must be covered with glass or polyethylene. This allows you to create a special microclimate that imitates the conditions of a tropical rainforest.
However, at least once a day it is necessary to ventilate by moving away the glass (or polyethylene). It is necessary to carefully monitor the soil moisture; do not allow it to dry out or become waterlogged. The soil should always remain crumbly. If moisture is necessary, use a sprayer.
Several related species of hibiscus have become widespread in cultivation. The most popular among gardeners are: variable hibiscus, trifoliate hibiscus, Syrian hibiscus (usually planted in open ground) and some other species of the Malvaceae family, sometimes also called hibiscus. The Chinese rose “Angel Wings” or “Angel Wings” has become quite widespread. This type of hibiscus can be grown both in a pot in an apartment and in open ground. Seeds of similar universal species it is also necessary to collect; this process is especially difficult when growing a plant in the ground. In the first stages of development, the germination of seeds of this hibiscus is no different from others.
Rooting
The appearance of 2-3 leaves on germinating hibiscus sprouts indicates the need to plant the plants in separate pots. Plants need to be planted one at a time. As the seedlings gain strength, they will begin to compete with each other not only for water and nutrients, but also in terms of volume, this can seriously affect the shape of the shoots and reduce decorative properties plants. To avoid damaging the developing root system, the sprouts should be watered the evening before planting. This will allow you to easily and without consequences remove them from the soil.
Planting a seedling in a pot with prepared soil is not difficult. To do this, you need to use a stick or even your finger to make a depression in the soil, where you carefully lower the root of the seedling. Then, without compacting, cover the hole with soil. After planting, the plant must be watered.
Post-procedure care
Hibiscus is an inhabitant of humid forests. To create comfortable conditions for it, you need to organize regular watering. The plant absorbs water and solutions from the soil especially actively during the period of active growth, that is, in summer. Some gardeners recommend watering the seedlings daily, the main thing is to avoid stagnation of water.
If there is a lack of moisture, the leaves of the plant quickly begin to wither; this is the first sign of insufficient watering.
To ensure intensive growth and development of hibiscus, fertilizers must be added to the soil. They are especially important during the flowering and fruiting period. At this stage, garden potassium is added to the soil. Before flowering and during the “rest” between flowering, hibiscus can be fed with nitrogen. Despite the fact that this element is necessary for the formation of green plant organs (leaves, buds and new shoots), an overdose of nitrogen can cause burns on the leaves.
What is Hibiscus? Hibiscus, any of the numerous species of herbs, shrubs and trees that make up the genus Hibiscus, in the family Malvaceae and native to warm temperate and tropical regions. Some of them are grown as ornamental plants because of their showy colors. A sunny, wind-protected space suits the plant well. Hibiscus now includes the former genus Abutilon, containing over 100 species herbaceous plants and partly woody shrubs found in tropical and warm temperate regions. There are different shades, from a yellowish tint to red. You can see other colors too. Usually plants are planted on outdoors in warm regions and grown in greenhouses.
Is there anything special that needs to be done to get hibiscus seeds to germinate? There are two types of hibiscus - the hardy type and the tropical type. At home, they can be grown as houseplants, but only hardy species will survive the winter. For example, the features of caring for a Chinese rose are different. Tropical hibiscus can be grown indoors to last until next spring.
1) Germination:
After the flowers drop, keep an eye on them to see if they produce seed pods. Leave the pods on the plant until they turn brown and crisp, then remove them from the plant. Each bud usually contains 10 to 20 seeds. It is necessary to prepare seed material. Break the pods and remove the seeds and keep them dry until you are ready to sprout them. Both types of hibiscus produce seeds with a tough outer covering that must be broken or cut to allow moisture to penetrate before the germination process can begin. Seeds from hardy hibiscus will also require several freeze/thaw cycles, called stratification. This is nature's way of allowing them to germinate much faster. Stratification can be achieved naturally by keeping them outdoors in a dry place, but subjecting them to our normal winter temperatures or artificially by placing them in the freezer for several days, then letting them thaw and repeating this several times. You can put the seeds in an open plastic bag.
Tropical hibiscus seeds do not need to be separated. Both types of seeds still require external opening, which can be a complex process. One method is to lay out each seed, then, using a razor blade or small knife, open the outer covering without damaging the inner parts. Another method is to soak the seeds for a few hours to soften them, then put them in a jar with some aquarium gravel and shake well. Once the outer covering is opened, they are ready to sprout.
2) Landing:
The seeds can be planted in purchased seed starting medium, or a mixture can be made from some combination of sand, perlite, vermiculite and peat. The mixture should contain nutrients beneficial to the plant. Regular soil is suitable for sowing hibiscus seeds. The main thing is not to overdo it with soil components. The seeds are planted at a depth of two to five centimeters and should take an average of a week to a month to germinate. It is best to keep the temperature around 28°C and keep the medium moist but not soggy. A heat mat is useful to provide bottom support. Until you know what works best for you, seed starter kits available in gardening stores and catalogs that use small plastic pots, may be the best way to start. Later you will learn that each hatched seed is sown separately. One seed per pot is enough. Some use polystyrene foam coffee cups with drainage holes to start seedlings. It is absolutely essential that you do not use too much water. Seeds will rot and fail to germinate if left in a damp/damp environment. Those who have a garden or vegetable garden plant seedlings in open ground. In this case, hibiscus seedlings are placed in pots from seeds.
Once the seedlings have shown a few mature leaves and the stems have begun to harden and become woody, they can be moved to a larger pot. Fertilizer can be used on the plant, but read the instructions carefully. Not all varieties of hibiscus are suitable for certain fertilizers. Hibiscus seedlings need to be kept warm. These small seedlings should be gradually exposed to the sun over several days. Remember that they are delicate, so avoid cold temperatures. Keep it where it will receive several hours of direct sunlight each day. Re-read the description and growing hibiscus will be successful.
How to water hibiscus
The plant needs to develop well. Soil in pots tends to dry out faster than soil in a flower bed, so you will need to keep an eye on watering your hibiscus if they are planted in pots. Always plant them in pots with drainage holes at the bottom. To determine when to water your tropical hibiscus, insert index finger into the soil. If it comes out dry, it's time to water. To ensure that the entire root ball is moist, water slowly so that the water goes all the way to the bottom. Wait until the water is completely absorbed and repeat the process. During particularly hot weather, you should also water your hibiscus twice a day.
1) Watering frequency: In their native places of growth tropical plants Hibiscus plants get a lot of moisture from humidity and rain. In dry climates, irrigation should replace natural springs moisture; The hotter and drier the weather, the more often you will need to water tropical hibiscus grown in the ground. Experts advise watering the plant once a day when the air temperature is between +20 and +25 degrees; increase the frequency to twice a day when the temperature ranges from 25 to 30 degrees. This same schedule works for hardy hibiscus. The plant needs the necessary care.
2) Amount of Water: The average root depth of hibiscus is 15cm, so you need to soak the soil to this depth when you water them. The best way To ensure a sufficient amount of water is to install a drip irrigation system or use hoses. Spray the bushes periodically.
Propagation of hibiscus by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings, whether tropical hibiscus or hardy hibiscus, can be done in home garden, and both varieties of hibiscus reproduce equally. Hardy hibiscus spreads more easily than tropical hibiscus. Dream a large number Knowing how to propagate hibiscus can help you achieve success with any type of plant. Both hardy and tropical hibiscus are propagated from cuttings. This is usually the preferred way to propagate hibiscus because you will see an exact replica of the parent plant. When using cuttings to propagate hibiscus, start by making a snip. Cutting should be done from new shoots or wood. The wood is the branches on the hibiscus that have not yet matured. The wood is malleable and often has a greenish tint. You will mostly find softwood on hibiscus trees in the spring or early summer.
The hibiscus should be cut to between 10 and 12 cm. Remove all but the top set of leaves. Trim the bottom of the hibiscus to cut just below the lower leaf node (the joint where the leaf grows). The next step for propagating hibiscus from cuttings is to place the finished hibiscus cut in well-drained soil. A 50-50 mixture of potting soil and perlite works well. Make sure the root soil is completely wet, then press your finger into the root soil. Place the cut hibiscus in the hole and backfill around the cut. Place plastic bag over the cut, making sure the plastic does not touch the leaves. Place the hibiscus cut in the shade. Make sure the root soil remains moist until the hibiscus cuttings are rooted. Cuttings should be introduced in about eight weeks. Once they are rooted, you can transplant them into a larger pot. Remember that tropical hibiscus will have less chance of success and faster growth rates than hardy hibiscus, but if you propagate several tropical hibiscus cuttings, there is a good chance that at least one of them will root successfully. Usually, some part of them dies off during the winter.
Hibiscus grafting and propagation by layering
As is the case with most flowering plants, there are three common methods growing your hibiscus: from seed, from transplanting or from pruning. It is recommended to graft, grow and repot from an existing plant in pots as you already know your plant and will get better results from these processes.
In this method of propagation by layering, a branch of the plant extends toward the ground and part of it is covered with moist soil, leaving the tip of the branch exposed above the ground. After some time, new roots develop from the part of the branch that was buried in the soil. The branch is then cut from the parent plant. The part of the branch that has developed roots becomes a new plant (like the parent plant). Thus, hibiscus is propagated or produced by the layering method. You can start division at any time.
We can see that one left branch and one right branch of the parent plant were buried in moist soil. Parts of branches that are buried in the soil grow their roots. When this happens, the branches of the mother plant connecting the newly formed plants are cut off so that the newly formed plants can grow on their own and develop into mature plants (ie, the mother plant).
Creating a Clone: Same as with other forms vegetative propagation(such as cuttings, division and grafting), the use of layering creates offspring that are genetically identical to the parent plant. This means you can create as many exact copies (clones) as you want to grow with the characteristics you want. This method is most often used on woody shrubs and grapevines as they tend to be more difficult to root from cuttings. Here are the basic steps. You will need sharp knife, brick or stone and trowel.
- 1: Select a low, flexible branch that can be bent to the ground without breaking it.
- 2: Bend the branch down and determine which part of the branch will come into contact with the soil and where it will touch the ground. The length of the branch extending beyond the point where the branch will touch the ground can range from 20 to 50 cm in length.
- 3: Use a trowel to dig a hole about 8 or 10 cm deep into the soil where the branch touched the ground.
- 4: Use a knife to cut the branch at the point where it touches the ground. The branch must be wounded to cause roots to form. Any of several methods can be used. The bark ring can be scraped off. Or the cut can be made in the middle of the branch. You can also make an angled cut into the branch, toward the tip of the branch about halfway through it. The inclined cut should be clamped with a small pebble or twig.
- 5: Carefully tilt the branch so that the wounded area is in the shallow hole and cover it with soil. Place a rock or brick on top to hold the branch in place as it tends to move back. At least 20 to 25 cm from the end of the branch should stick out of the soil. Watering should be done thoroughly, especially during dry weather in summer.
- 6: The growing process usually takes four to six months to form roots. When well-developed roots are observed (10 to 15 centimeters long, depending on the size of the layer), cut the branch at a point just behind the roots. The new plant may be ready to plant.
Pruning and pinching hibiscus
Trimming and shaping are important components. Although pruning sounds counterintuitive, it does promote new growth and cause more blooms to appear. There are several pruning methods, but they all work by cutting branches above a node (joint) at an angle away from the center of the bush. This will send a signal to the plant to grow more branches in that location. If any part of your hibiscus dies, you should do some remedial pruning and trim it back. This will remove the unsightly part of the plant and may even cause it to regrow from scratch. Never cut off more than ⅔ of one branch at a time, as this may harm the hibiscus more than it helps.
What is meant by pinching? You pinch the growing tip to force more branches to grow from the nodes below. And of course more branches will eventually lead to more blooms, this seems to work on any size plant. You can pinch cuttings at different heights. If you don't pinch, the hibiscus will just continue to grow without any side branches. So, this practice is also applicable when caring for your favorite plant. After such procedures, the flowers become larger.
Diseases and pests of hibiscus
The plant needs proper care. You can identify hibiscus diseases and treat ailments at home. A number of nasty pests of hibiscus plants find the plant irresistible. A common problem with hibiscus is aphids: pests that suck the juices from the foliage are usually found frequently on the plant. Pest control is carried out using insecticidal soap.
White flies are small pests that suck sap, usually from the underside of leaves. Insecticidal soap or sticky fly traps will help.
Thrips are small pests that lay eggs inside hibiscus buds, often causing the buds to fall off before flowering.
Mealybugs are sap-sucking pests covered in a protective, waxy mass. Insecticidal soap is used.
Ants do not directly harm hibiscus, but they do eat beneficial insects, which protect against aphids and other pests. Avoid spraying, which kills ants while they are active. You need to water it with a foundation solution when all else fails. When the threat passes, the plant will come to life.
Hibiscus or Chinese rose is one of the most popular flowering houseplants. Since ancient times, this flower was considered a sign of luxury and prosperity in the family, so earlier it could be found as a decorative decoration only in rich wealthy houses.
Africa is considered the birthplace of hibiscus, where the humid tropical climate favorably affected its development. Today this unpretentious and beautiful flower is very popular in our region. Hibiscus does not require any special care. The most important thing when growing hibiscus is to choose a good place and container for planting, and also to follow the watering regime. Otherwise, if the soil dries out, the hibiscus flowers and leaves may fall off. In just a few days the plant will simply die. However, excessive moisture also negatively affects flower development. The leaves will quickly wither, curl and fall off.
Hibiscus remains attractive throughout the year. The plant has bright green leaves that completely frame the bush. The presence of such a flower in the apartment has a beneficial effect on the well-being of all household members. In winter, this evergreen tree decorates the room and brings joy to the owners. With the onset of early spring, the Chinese rose begins its flowering period. Buds appear and leaves grow noticeably faster. You should not touch the flowerpot with a flower and move it to another place, otherwise you may be provoked by dropping the buds. The next flowering is expected only next year. The plant needs to get stronger and regain its strength. Transplantation during this period is prohibited if you do not want to disrupt the process of bud formation. Of course, the transplanted tree will grow and put out new leaves, but you can forget about the flowers.
If you still decide to grow hibiscus at home, then you should work hard to purchase it. There is little hope for acquaintances, since not every one of them is ready to part with an adult plant, and it, in turn, may simply not take root in other conditions. It is rarely possible to grow hibiscus from a shoot. The plant also takes root poorly and is picky. Even experienced flower growers It is not possible to grow a full-fledged healthy flower; often the sprouts freeze and die. Seed cultivation hibiscus is considered the most reliable method, which makes it possible not only to save money, but also time for breeding.
Initially, choose the variety of hibiscus you like, since there are various variations of this flower, differing in the color of the buds and the structure of the vegetative parts. The hibiscus variety looks great, with beautiful lush flowers. They are so huge that they can cover an adult palm. Some species bear small but frequent flowers. During the flowering period, this variety of hibiscus looks like a solid bud of small flowers, which can have different colors. Hibiscus varieties are often found in the form of shrubs with pronounced red buds. There is even popular belief, which is associated with this type of flower.
Soil preparation
Once you have chosen a particular variety, the next step is to prepare the soil for cultivation. Typically, gardeners use a purchased soil mixture or prepare it themselves. To do this, you need to mix the same amount of leaf and garden soil and add humus. Sometimes the mixture is replaced with peat. However, peat can negatively affect plant roots if mixed in the wrong proportions. Prepared earth mixture carefully sifted and placed in a container for planting.
Using a stick, narrow grooves are made on the leveled soil surface. Tiny hibiscus seeds are carefully sprinkled into them. After that, the grooves are lightly sprinkled with earth on top. Containers with planted seeds are stored in a dry, warm room. Hibiscus is planted at the end of winter, so the containers can be placed next to heating radiators.
Caring for hibiscus seedlings
At first, the crops need abundant and regular watering, since the air near the radiators constantly dries out. To ensure that the soil in the planting boxes retains the necessary moisture for a long time, they are placed in bags. When young shoots appear, the containers are immediately removed from them and transferred to a bright place. As soon as the sprouts grow a little, they are planted in separate low flowerpots. Over time, the plant must be transplanted into other, more spacious pots to allow the root system to fully develop, which will only increase in volume. After each transplant, the shrub needs to be constantly watered. Like many decorative house flowers, the first buds of a transplanted hibiscus should be cut off to allow the plant to grow stronger and regain its strength.
Seed cultivation of hibiscus is the most in a simple way breeding this flower. Adaptation of new shoots occurs much faster and more reliably.
It often happens that amateur gardeners do not risk growing perennials from seeds, preferring to buy a ready-made bush or cutting. Indeed, some perennials are very difficult to obtain at home. Many plants have too small seeds, some have very short germination, and others require special technological conditions for germination. All these warnings do not apply to herbaceous hibiscus at all. Its seeds are quite large, their germination lasts up to six years.
In the herbaceous perennial hibiscus, only root system, and its terrestrial part in our conditions dies off in the winter. The plant is a large bush, consisting of several powerful branched leafy shoots with numerous large mallow-shaped flowers, located in the upper part of the shoots, singly or, more often, in bunches. Stems herbaceous hibiscus round, smooth, green (light or dark), often with a purple tint. The leaves are broadly oval, palm-shaped or spear-shaped. Often the lower leaves can be whole, but closer to the top of the shoot they can be divided. The color of the leaves also ranges from light green to dark with a purple tint. Green leaves sometimes have a soft grayish felt fluff, while purple leaves are smooth and shiny.
The main advantage of the herbaceous hibiscus is, of course, its flowers. First of all, their size is amazing. The diameter of the flower in some forms can reach 27 cm . Usually a flower consists of five petals, but there are hybrids with 10 or even 12 - these are semi-double forms. In the simplest forms, the petals do not close at the base of the flower, but in most modern hybrids the petals more or less overlap each other, sometimes in such cases the flowers take on a bell-shaped form. The edges of the petals can be smooth, wavy, notched, their texture can be smooth or with clear relief venation or embossing.
As for the color of herbaceous hibiscus flowers, it is very diverse: white, pink, red, crimson, purple. This description is very approximate, because each color is represented by many shades. Even in one flower, shades flow into one another. Most often, the middle (bowl) of the flower is painted in a darker tone, and the edges are lighter. Sometimes there is no smooth transition - the bowl and the main color contrast sharply (white petals and a dark crimson center). Particularly attractive are the flowers, which also have brightly drawn veins of the same contrasting color. There are references in the literature to lilac, purple and even yellow herbaceous hibiscus, but I have not yet seen such. Seeds of herbaceous hibiscus appeared on sale not so long ago. Most often this "Luna F1" or "Luna Mix". It is rare to find varietal - "Maxim Gorky", "Youth, Tsar Bell", "Galaxy".
So, we have a packet of herbaceous hibiscus seeds. At the beginning of March we inspect the seeds, discard damaged, moldy, or too small. The remaining conditioned seeds are disinfected for half an hour in a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate, washed thoroughly and soaked in a solution of any growth stimulant for a day. You cannot soak the seeds in a large amount of solution - the liquid should only cover them, otherwise the lack of oxygen will destroy the embryos. Next, we germinate the seeds in a damp cotton or linen cloth, airing it periodically. Warmth and humidity are the main conditions for successful germination.
To prevent the seeds in the cloth from drying out, you can place them in a plastic bag with holes for ventilation. Usually not all seeds germinate, this is normal for hibiscus. If, a day after mass germination, some seeds still do not have sprouts, they should be thrown away. It is very convenient to grow seedlings in special tablets, but they are not suitable for hibiscus. I use deep half-liter beer glasses or sour cream jars. The fact is that hibiscus seedlings produce a fairly long main root, and it is better if it grows freely, without bending or twisting. Soil for seedlings can be used universally for seedlings. Fill the glass three-quarters full, compact it slightly, water it a little, carefully place the seed with the sprout down, carefully sprinkle it with 1-1.5 cm of soil, water it again a little with warm water, and pour another half a centimeter of soil on top.
To retain moisture, the cups can be covered with paper or perforated cellophane. Shoots appear in 4-7 days or a little later. Seedlings should be kept in a warm, bright place, watered moderately, if necessary, and carefully loosen the top layer of soil for better aeration. The plants respond well to periodic spraying with warm water from a spray bottle. It is very desirable to artificially extend the daylight hours a little, but my seedlings do just fine without additional lighting. Of course, they stretch out somewhat, but their stems are still quite strong, do not lie down, and then, under more favorable conditions, become stronger. If there is insufficient lighting, seedlings should not be fed nitrogen fertilizer, then they will certainly be long, thin and frail. I start fertilizing only in the ground when the planted plants go through an adaptation period and take root properly.
Young hibiscus can be planted in mid-May - early June, when the threat of repeated spring frosts. Can be planted directly permanent place. In this case, choose an open, bright place, taking into account that the bush will grow large, it needs a lot of space, at least four square meters. There are, of course, low-growing varieties; they can be given a smaller place. If several seedlings are grown from a mixture, then it makes sense to first plant them in a “school” at a distance of 50 cm. Good seedlings from early seedlings They will bloom in the first year, and we will be able to see what they are like and decide where to plant them for permanent maintenance.
The soil for planting hybrid herbaceous hibiscus should be quite loose with the addition of peat and sand, moderately moist. We water the hole with water, carefully dump the root ball out of the pot, place it in the hole, sprinkle it with soil, compact it, squeeze it, and water it again with plenty of water. The root collar should only be buried a centimeter and a half when planting. We mulch the soil around the seedling and provide shade from direct sunlight. It is best to use agrofibre for this, throwing it over temporary arches and carefully securing it. A separately planted plant can be shaded with a bucket without a bottom, a box, or shields. Hibiscus adapts quickly. Even if the seedling is “burnt” and has lost its leaves, do not rush to remove it from the garden bed. Keep watering and it's quite possible it will survive. 
In the first year, hibiscus grown from seed produces one unbranched or slightly branched strong shoot 60-100 cm high and good thick roots. A strong, well-groomed plant usually blooms in the first year, although towards the end of summer. There are only a few flowers, they are unlikely to greatly deplete the plant, so I do not remove them. Don’t be upset if the flowers don’t impress you with their size in the first year—everything is yet to come.
The largest ones are found in two- and three-year-old plants. Hibiscus from shkolka can be planted in a permanent place in the fall. It is important to try to keep the roots intact. I usually carefully scrape away the soil from the base of the bush with a shovel in order to see how the thick, rope-like roots are located and where they are directed. I carefully release each of the roots from the soil. Ideally, it is advisable to remove all roots intact. If it happened that some roots broke or were cut with a spatula, it’s okay. Sections can be processed with crushed charcoal or just ash. We prepare a hole for planting based on the size of the roots; on top they should be covered with soil with a layer of 4-5 cm. Water, mulch - and all the worries.
It should be noted that it is also easy to propagate by seeds and Syrian hibiscus (tree). There is a significant difference, and it lies in the fact that tree hibiscus is also able to reproduce by self-sowing (at least in our south), which I did not notice with herbaceous hibiscus. Spring sowing for seedlings in cups is carried out in the same way as with herbaceous hibiscus. In school, tree hibiscus seedlings can be planted thicker, after 25-30 cm. In the first year of the growing season, the formation of a bush begins. Syrian hibiscus can be formed on a high trunk, which means that all lower branches must be removed immediately. You can form a bush in the form of a pyramid, a ball, a cone - and you need to start implementing your ideas in the very first year. Another very important aspect must be taken into account when transplanting seedlings: if herbaceous hibiscus roots are radially located in top layer soil, then in Syrian - the main root goes vertically deep, and it is also advisable not to damage it, although this is quite difficult.
The different colors of flowers look very beautiful Syrian hibiscus, planted in one tub, if their stems are intertwined with each other. Many have probably already seen such miracle trees in garden centers.
Why not try?
Natalia Savenko, Kherson
In Hawaii, hibiscus is national plant, here it is called “flower beautiful women" Malaysian girls also enjoy decorating their hair with it. Coming from tropical latitudes, this exotic plant has long ceased to be a curiosity in our gardens.
Swamp hibiscus in the garden
Hibiscus is known and loved by many. Its huge bright flowers against the backdrop of the dense green foliage of a lush bush, rarely anyone is left indifferent. Most often, the name of the plant is associated with indoor culture. However, there are many varieties that are successfully grown in open ground.
Conditions for growth and flowering
Swamp hibiscus is one of the most famous and popular members of the mallow family grown in the garden. It is a tall perennial with vibrant dark green foliage and huge red flowers averaging about 12cm in diameter. A native of tropical and subtropical forests, it prefers sunny places, marshy areas. Excellent growth has been seen in flowers growing near a stream or pond.
Undemanding to soil composition. However, it will feel better in a slightly acidic environment. In natural habitats it grows under long summer conditions. In areas where summer warmth There is not enough hibiscus for normal development; in the spring a greenhouse is built over the plantings. This will ensure earlier flower development.
Types and varietal diversity
Hibiscus is famous for its many varieties and hybrids. This subtropical evergreen plant has more than 200 species. Flower sizes vary from 5 to 35 cm. The shape and color are extremely varied - white, orange, red, purple, blue. The leaves of the plant of various shapes and colors are also decorative. Some specimens are of particular interest:
Hibiscus propagation
Planting begins in February-March or August-September - depending on the variety and method of propagation. Hibiscus is grown from seeds or rooted cuttings. Reproduction by shoots is a faster way:
- choose a stem about 0.5 cm wide;
- cut off its top by 15 cm, remove the lower leaves;
- the cuttings are planted in a container with compost for rooting;
- leave in a well-lit place;
- maintain sufficient soil moisture.
Rooting occurs within a few months. After this, the plant can be planted in open ground.
If it is not possible to get a cutting, but you really want swamp hibiscus to show off on your plot, growing from seeds will not cause much trouble either.
Growing hibiscus from seeds
Propagation by seeds can be done immediately by sowing in open ground. Before this, it is advisable to prepare the soil in the selected area, taking into account the preferences and growth conditions of the plant.
Soil composition
It is best to grow hibiscus in swampy areas protected from the wind. Organic matter is added to the soil. Rotted manure or compost are excellent choices. The soil is thoroughly mixed with organic matter. This way the plant will be provided with nutrients during a critical period of development. Keep in mind that when planted in nutritious soil, swamp hibiscus can grow up to 2.5-3 meters in height.
Sowing Hibiscus Seeds
Seeds are collected in late spring. Ripe pods should be dry and firm to the touch. Planting material free the plant from the box. In order for the seeds to germinate faster, they should be properly prepared before sowing:
- on one side, scrape with sandpaper or rub with a nail file;
- pierce the other side with a pin or make a small incision with a knife;
- soak for 2-3 hours in a glass of warm water with 1 teaspoon of aloe juice;
- dry on paper or towel.
Sowing in open ground is carried out as soon as the danger of frost has passed. If you don’t want to take risks, you can first grow a seedling in a pot in room conditions, and then transplant it to a permanent place in the garden. To do this:
- the seeds are planted to a depth of 0.5-0.7 cm and sprinkled with earth;
- crops are watered with a small amount of water;
- The pot with seeds is covered with polyethylene or a sheet of glass and left in a well-lit, warm place.
The seedlings will hatch in 2 weeks. The soil is kept moist by watering the crops and emerging seedlings every day. Two-month-old seedlings need hardening. To do this, they are taken out daily fresh air. On the first day, time outside is limited to 15 minutes. This time is being extended every day. After 2.5-3 months, the hibiscus is transferred to the garden and transplanted into open ground.
Hibiscus transplant
If you have chosen the method of sowing seeds in a container or you have purchased a plant in a pot for planting, the following important stage there will be a flower transplant to garden plot. The planting hole for hibiscus is made twice as large as the container in which it grew.
Flower with earthen lump put in the hole and fill empty space nutritious soil. After planting, the soil is compacted and watered abundantly. During this period young plant especially needs water and the soil should remain moist.
As it grows, the bush may bend. To help him, with opposite side Drive a stake from the angle of inclination and loosely tie the plant to it. The support should not interfere with growth and free movement on a windy day.
Tatyana Pronina, expert
Hibiscus care
Swamp hibiscus begins to bloom in the first year. Each flower lives no more than one day. To stimulate flowering and prolong its period, faded flowers are removed. If you expect to collect seed, leave a few dried inflorescences on the plant. These will form seed pods.
Watering and fertilizing
The amount and frequency of watering depends on the age of the plant. Before rooting in a new place, the young plant needs more moisture. Over time, the amount of water is reduced. But the soil should always remain moist.
Fertilizing is carried out throughout the growing season. To do this, use ordinary universal garden fertilizer. It can be combined with watering.
During the budding stage, it is responsive to foliar feeding. This way you can achieve more early flowering. Spraying is carried out in the evening hours.
Bush formation
As the young plant grows, it becomes long and thin. Pruning and pinching will help make the bush more lush and densely flowering. To do this, when the swamp hibiscus reaches a height of 60 cm, it is shortened to 30-40 cm.
To rejuvenate the bush, from the third year of planting, they divide it. But even without this agricultural technique, you can continue to cultivate hibiscus for about 10 years in one place. Division is carried out at the end of winter, when the flower is dormant.
Preparing for winter
In autumn, flowering stops. To prepare the plant for cold weather, the bush is cut off and the rhizome is left to overwinter in open ground. The base of the hibiscus is mulched. This will not only keep you warm, but also prevent weeds from appearing. Straw and humus, pine needles and rotted leaves, and compost are suitable as mulch.
Hibiscus disease control
Hibiscus has high resistance to diseases. Moreover, if he is provided proper care. Some gardener mistakes in planting can significantly harm the plant:
- curled leaves and weak flowering or its complete absence indicate a lack of nutrients and watering;
- if the plant dries out and turns yellow, this indicates chlorosis. In this case, spraying with iron chelate will help;
- Hibiscus does not tolerate lime in the soil; planting in such an area will destroy the plant.
As you can see, swamp hibiscus does not require much attention. Suitable site, simple fertilizing and proper watering- this is the little that it needs for normal development and long-term flowering.
What types of this flower are familiar to you? What methods of reproduction do you use, what care measures do you take? Share your experience in the comments!
