How to Propagate Hibiscus by Cuttings and by Seed While It’s Still Hot Out

Hibiscus are ideal plants to add to your garden. Their vivid, colorful blossoms add excitement and curb appeal while also attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other helpful pollinators. And hibiscus is an simple plant to propagate, meaning you can multiple your plants at no cost.

There are more than 200 varieties in the genus, and some are easier to successfully propagate than others. For that reason, it’s significant to identify which variety of hibiscus you’re working with before setting out to propagate—some can only be propagated from cuttings while others are easier to grow from seed.

Types of Hibiscus

There are two main groups of hibiscus, While hibiscus flowers might look tropical—and many varieties thrive in tropical climates—there are countless other hibiscus varieties that grow well in temperate climates. All hibiscus plants do best when planted in a spot that receives full sun.

Tropical Hibiscus

Tropical hibiscus (), as the name suggests, is native to tropical climates in Asia and produces dramatic, vivid flowers that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter with protruding stamens. This shrub is fast-growing and thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-12, where it can stay alive and green year-round.

While it is possible to grow them from seed, tropical hibiscus plants are slow-growing when planted from seed, and are best propagated from cuttings.

Hardy Hibiscus

Hardy hibiscus () are bred to tolerate colder temperatures. These cold-hardy varieties are also known as “perennial hibiscus” because they will grow back every year. They thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

The best way to propagate hardy hibiscus is by division or stem cuttings. While both tropical and hardy hibiscus can be propagated by seed, generally only hardy hibiscus is propagated using this method, as they are easier to germinate. If you plant seeds from your hibiscus plant, beware that the seeds may not grow true to type.

How to Propagate Hibiscus From Cuttings

Propagating hibiscus using cuttings guarantees the up-to-date plant will be exactly the same as the parent. The best time to propagate hibiscus using soft-stem cuttings is during the warmer months—in slow spring or early summer after the plant has begun vigorous growth for the season.

Follow these steps to successfully propagate hibiscus plants using cuttings:

1. To avoid spreading spreading diseases and pests, disinfect your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol and a neat rag.
2. Select a stem (or multiple stems) for cutting, looking for one that has up-to-date growth—a sign that it’s fit. Choose stems with polished, green growth that’s at least 4 to 6 inches long.
3. Using your neat, edged pruning shears, cut the green stems, making sure they are at least 4 to 6 inches long. Carefully store them in a neat container.
4. To aid improve oxygen levels as the plants put down roots, remove all but the top set of leaves on the stem cutting. Gently snip all of the leaves off with pruning shears, leaving two to three leaves at the top. Avoid pulling the leaves off with your fingers or hands, as it can damage the fibers in the stems and affect the success of the propagation.
5. Using pruning shears, make a diagonal cut at the bottom of the stem at a 45-degree angle. Dip the end in rooting hormone, which will encourage up-to-date growth.
6. Place the up-to-date cutting(s) in a pot of well-draining soil that’s half potting soil and half perlite.
7. Moisten the soil with water. Using your finger or a pencil, push a hole in the dirt in which you plan to place the cutting. This step is significant to ensure you create space for the cutting to be placed without pushing off any of the rooting hormone.
8. Cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag, but make sure it does not touch the leaves. Bagging the cutting helps preserve moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for the cutting to establish up-to-date roots.
9. Place the newly-planted cuttings in indirect sunlight and mist with water every day to keep the soil damp.
10. Once the cuttings are actively growing, you can repot them in a larger container.

How to Grow Hibiscus From Seeds

Both tropical and hardy hibiscus varieties can be propagated by seed. However, this is generally only recommended for hardy hibiscus, as they are easier to germinate.

1. Start hibiscus seeds indoors about 10 to 14 weeks before the last spring frost.
2. Before planting any hibiscus seeds, start by nicking or sanding the seeds using fine grade sandpaper or the tip of a knife. This will allow moisture to enter the seed.
3. Soak hibiscus seeds in room-temperature water for at least eight hours or overnight to boost the germination rate.
4. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in damp soil that’s kept at 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Seedlings should emerge in 14 to 21 days. When they do, place them in full sun, such as a bright window.
6. Once the seedlings have two pairs of leaves, you can transplant them into a larger container.
7. Be sure to harden off the seedlings before transferring them to your garden.

Tips for Successful Hibiscus Propagation

• For the greatest success, hibiscus is best propagated from cuttings.
• Tropical hibiscus cultivars have a lower success rate than hardy hibiscus varieties, so take multiple cuttings to raise your chances.
• Make sure you plant hibiscus cuttings in well-draining soil.
• Use rooting hormone to raise a cutting’s chance of growing roots.
• Remember: patience and persistence are key when propagating hibiscus plants