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Seeds of Splendor

Many adore the vivid ruffles of hibiscus, but real fans start their own.

By Yvonne Swanson, Special to the Times
Published June 30, 2007

FAST FACTS
Hibiscus in bloom
Learn more about growing hibiscus and see more than 1, 000 individual blooms today from 1 to 4 p.m. at the AHS Sunset Chapter's hibiscus show at Faith Presbyterian Church, 11501 Walker Ave. N, Seminole. Hundreds of 1-gallon plants will sell for $15 each. The public is invited to enter individual blooms for competition; deadline for submission is 11:30 a.m. today. Event is free and open to the public. Information: (727) 596-6922.

To order seeds, send your request to the Seed Bank, c/o Bob Carran, 13190 113th Ave. N, Largo, FL 33774. Or e-mail maribeth_c2000@yahoo.com.

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Florida retirees never cease to amaze me, especially the ones who are avid gardening enthusiasts. They create some of the most incredible home gardens, becoming seasoned experts on plants for which they are passionate. I've met retirees who build backyard greenhouses and grow thousands of their favorite plants, then travel around Florida to enter flower competitions. Some volunteer countless hours to work on the grounds of schools, churches and public gardens.

But now I've found a retired teacher who would make Johnny Appleseed proud. Bob Carran is the volunteer chairman of the American Hibiscus Society's Seed Bank, which has sent more than 150, 000 seeds to people around the world during the past 20 years. Carran has been doing the job for four years from his home in Largo. He figures he has mailed close to 12, 000 individual hibiscus seeds worldwide, everywhere but Antarctica, he says.

"On the way out to my greenhouse, the first thing I do in the morning is check my Yahoo address for the Seed Bank and see who around the world has sent in requests for seeds, " Carran said. "Sure enough, today after breakfast I had two requests for seeds, one from the United States and one from Spain."

From an upstairs den, he'll sort seeds, put them in little plastic bags, label them with the plant's name and parentage, add an instruction sheet about planting, and then mail. There's no charge for the seeds. The nonprofit society funds the effort each year, and Carran not only volunteers his time, but provides many of the seeds from his own 1-acre garden, where about 1, 000 hibiscus plants reside. More seeds are donated by society members.

A global favorite

Hibiscus can be grown in a variety of climates around the world, from indoor sunrooms in northern Canada to steamy back yards in Brazil. It's one of the easiest plants to grow in Florida, and certain varieties are prolific bloomers that produce vibrant color throughout the year. There are hundreds of single- and double-petal varieties to choose from, with colors ranging from common reds, pinks and yellows to lavenders, blues, whites, browns and golds.

"People around the world are excited about the look of the hibiscus. They see the different colors, and they want them, " said Carran, who suggests visiting the International Hibiscus Society's Web site www.international hibiscussociety.org for colorful photos of the popular tropical. They are so easy to grow from seed and to propagate and hybridize by pollinating two plants of different species that there are thousands of named hybrids of hibiscus.

The more common varieties found at garden centers, including the hot-red "Brilliant, " pink "Painted Lady" and "Peach Blow, " are inexpensive and hardy in our area. More exotic and beautiful hybrids are usually found at specialty nurseries or plant shows.

Some hibiscus can grow as tall as 10 to 15 feet. Others may grow only a few feet high. You can easily contain the plant's growth and shape by pruning, preferably in very early spring after the risk of cold damage has subsided. For the most and largest blooms, plant in full to part sun. Use organic matter in the soil and about 3 inches of mulch to help retain moisture, especially during hot weather.

Starting with seeds

Growing hibiscus from seed is easy. Plant the seed 1/4-inch deep in a small pot filled with sterile, well-drained, aerated and moistened soil. Carran suggests using a plastic grow tray with a clear lid, which holds in moisture. The seedling will germinate in seven to 21 days and needs bright light to grow. When the seedling is about 1 inch tall, transfer it into a plastic foam cup with three holes in the bottom (or similar container). Let the soil dry out between waterings. Begin feeding the young seedling every week (even before leaves appear) with a half-dilution of water-soluble fertilizer, such as 20-20-20, Carran recommends.

When the plant is 6 to 8 inches tall, pinch off tips to encourage fuller growth. But do not cut back larger plants or you'll discourage the first bloom. Once your hibiscus is a foot high, transplant it into a gallon-size container or plant in the ground.

Yvonne Swanson is a freelance writer in St. Petersburg and a master gardener for Pinellas County.

[Last modified June 28, 2007, 17:16:36]