When should my hibiscus sprout?

Rose of Sharon are a hardy hibiscus, but they still sprout late and bloom late in July to August.

Depending on the light that they are exposed to and the bottom heat that they receive, they will sprout in 8 days to 14 days.

I don't know your circumstances, so my advice it to go on line and do some personal research, heat light, humidity, only you have those answers!

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN TRYING!

1. Temperature:

A WARM place where their tropical origins are respected. It is often said that hibiscus like much the same conditions as people and with temperature, that is pretty much true. For best results and lots of blooms, hibiscus should be located where the temperature remains between 60 and 90 degrees most of the time. Short periods of either hot or cold will not injure them though they may show their displeasure by shedding a few leaves or dropping some developing flower buds.

If temperatures routinely drop below 50 degrees, particularly at night, most growth and blooming will stop until it warms up again. Flower size will become much smaller and the occasional blooms may also be misshapen. For more information on cool weather growing: "Hibiscus Care ~ Wintering Tropical Hibiscus".

Temperatures below freezing will injure hibiscus. Factors such as how cold and for how long, the age of the plant, and whether it is dehydrated determine how extensive the damage. Under 30 degrees for many hours will most likely kill the plant entirely. Such temperatures should be avoided.

Temperatures over 95 degrees will often cause most flower buds to drop off. Hibiscus can survive temperatures even as high as 115 degrees, provided they have adequate water. When the weather is hot, it is best to maintain a steady supply of water to the plant, rather than have it go through wet/dry cycles.

2. Watering.

Watering is divided into two areas - cold weather watering and hot weather watering. In hot weather hibiscus will use lots of water and prefer a steady supply of it. Avoid flooding the roots or allowing the plant to stand in a saucer full of water for an extended time. Hibiscus will develop droopy leaves in hot weather if they do not have enough water. The cure is simple, provide some water and the leaves will regain their crispness.

In cold weather there is a danger of fungus disease attacking the roots of the hibiscus. Cold and wet conditions are what encourage this. Avoid this problem in colder weather by watering only as much as the plant needs. It is better to let it get too dry than to overwater it. This is one of the few things that will cause the early death of a hibiscus plant. If you can keep the roots warm you will have few problems with this. For more information: "Hibiscus Care ~ Watering."

3. Feeding:

In order to maintain a healthy hibiscus that blooms a lot, you must feed it. Purchase a good quality plant food (HVH Special Blend Hibiscus Fertilizer is the best available anywhere) and use it regularly according to directions on the container. Avoid those labelled Super Bloom. Look at the label for what is often called "minors" such as iron, copper, manganese, and other minerals as these are also good for hibiscus. If you don't like to fertilize, try using a time release product like HVH Recommended Time Release or Osmocote that can last for months with just one application. HVH High Quality Worm Castings mixed into or placed on top of your potting or planting soil give a super nutritional boost to your hibiscus. For more information: "Hibiscus Care ~ Feeding."

4. Pest Control:

Defend your hibiscus against insects as necessary. Many insects can be driven away simply by spraying the plant with a water hose or the highly recommended Bug Blaster or placing it in the shower for a few minutes.

5. Potting:

Do not overpot or change the pot size more than 1 step at a time. In other words, if the plant is in a 2 gallon pot the next step up should be a 3 gallon. If planting in the ground, be sure the hole and location are such that water will not build up around the roots of the plant.