Growing Luna Series Hibiscus Garden Seeds
- Taxonomy: Hibiscus muscheutos
- Other Names: Hardy Hibiscus, Swamp Rosemallow, Eastern Rosemallow, Crimson-eyed Rosemallow
- Seed Type: Perennial
- Sow Indoors or Outdoors: Hibiscus generally grows so hardy and vigorously that there is little reason to start seeds indoors. Sow directly after final frost in a sunny spot and shelter from strong winds. However, for earliest blooming, start Luna Series seeds indoors 6 – 8 weeks prior. Hibiscus seeds may take 14 – 21 days to germinate with full lighting. Harden off seedlings to a warm, sunny spot if transplanting outside.
- Days to Maturity: 70 – 84 days
- Hardiness Zone: 4 – 10
- Planting Depth: Plant 2 – 3 seeds ¼” deep
- Plant Spacing: 18”
- Growth Habit: 24 – 36” tall bushy upright with an 18 – 24” spread of enormous 6 — 8” 5-petaled blooms
- Soil Preference: Organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained
- Light Preference: Full sun
- Diseases/Pests/Troubleshooting: Hibiscus will not tolerate drought. Avoid overhead watering to minimize wetting foliage as Luna Series is susceptible to leaf spots, blights, rusts, and canker if not properly ventilated. No serious pests but monitor regularly for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. Plants will benefit from deadheading of spent blooms as summer continues.
- Color: Signature selection of Pink Swirl, Red Improved, Rose, White, and Mix
Hibiscus generally grows so hardy and vigorously that there is little reason to start seeds indoors. Sow directly after final frost in a sunny spot and shelter from strong winds. However, for earliest blooming, start Luna Series seeds indoors 6 – 8 weeks prior. Hibiscus seeds may take 14 – 21 days to germinate with full lighting. Harden off seedlings to a warm, sunny spot if transplanting outside. Plant 2 – 3 Luna Series hibiscus seeds ¼” deep and 18” apart in organically rich, evenly moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Hibiscus does not tolerate drought. Avoid overhead watering to minimize wetting foliage as Luna Series is susceptible to leaf spots, blights, rusts, and canker if not properly ventilated. No serious pests but monitor regularly for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. Plants will benefit from deadheading of spent blooms as summer continues. Luna Series hibiscus seeds mature in 70 – 84 days as 24 – 36” tall bushy uprights with an 18 – 24” spread of enormous 6 — 8” 5-petaled blooms in a signature choice of Pink Swirl, Red Improved, Rose, White, and Mix.
Hibiscus moscheutos, or otherwise best known as Hardy Hibiscus or Swamp Rose Mallow, is native to North American wetlands, swamps, and floodplains including Texas and the eastern seaboard well into Canada. Hibiscus is a favorite amongst bird enthusiasts because the enormous bloom is a popular source of nectar for larger birds. The genus Hibiscus is translated from Latin meaning “mallow.”