To harvest hibiscus seeds, you need to wait for the seed pods to mature and dry on the plant, then collect them by cutting the stem just below the pod.
Recognizing Mature Seed Pods
Hibiscus seed pods develop after the flowers have faded. They are typically green at first but will gradually turn brown and dry as they mature. A mature seed pod will feel brittle and may even start to crack open. Harvesting them when they are fully dry ensures the seeds inside are viable and ready.
The Harvesting Process
Once you have identified mature, dry seed pods on your hibiscus plant, harvesting is straightforward:
- Locate the dry seed pods: Look for the brown, dried capsules where the flower used to be.
- Prepare your tools: Use clean, sharp scissors or small pruning shears.
- Cut the stem: To collect the seed pod, as shown in the reference, simply cut the stem below the pod. Make a clean cut a short distance down the stem.
- Collect the pods: Gather the detached seed pods in a container or bag.
Extracting and Storing Seeds
After collecting the dry seed pods, the next step is to extract the seeds:
- Open the pods: Gently break open the dry seed pods. You may find several seeds inside, often surrounded by a bit of fibrous material.
- Clean the seeds: Remove any chaff or bits of dried pod material from the seeds.
- Dry the seeds: Although the pods were dry, it's a good idea to let the extracted seeds air dry for a few more days in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This reduces the risk of mold during storage.
- Store the seeds: Once completely dry, store the seeds in a paper envelope or a small airtight container. Label the container with the type of hibiscus and the date of collection. Keep stored seeds in a cool, dark, and dry location until you are ready to plant them.
Following these steps, you can successfully harvest hibiscus seeds to grow new plants.
