The seeds of hibiscus trees develop inside of pod-like structures known as capsules. While these capsules are technically fruits, they are predominately inedible. A single capsule can contain anywhere from between 0 and 60 hibiscus tree seeds, although most capsules contain between 10 and 20. While all hibiscus seeds have fuzzy exteriors and are approximately the size of apple seeds. Seed characteristics do vary slightly from one hibiscus tree species to the next.
Chinese Hibiscus
While the precise origins of the Chinese hibiscus tree (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) are unclear, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Extension notes that the tree likely sprang up first in China. Travelers then introduced Chinese hibiscus tree seeds to the South Pacific and Hawaii and eventually some of these seeds -- with the help of more travelers -- ended up in the southern continental United States.
The seeds of the Chinese hibiscus are dark brown to black. You should collect the seeds from fertile trees in the spring, prior to when the Chinese hibiscus capsules eject the seeds onto the ground. For best results, plant the seeds in humid, 80-degree Fahrenheit soil for the first four weeks of germination and then transplant the seeds to 70 F soils. A Chinese hibiscus tree growing from seed will take between 10 and 14 months to flower. The tree's flowers come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink and white.
Rose-of-Sharon
In comparison to other hibiscus tree seeds, the seeds from the Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) are very easily germinated. As Ohio State University states, if left unattended, the seeds will often disperse naturally and form colonies of trees in their surrounding area. While Chinese hibiscus seed capsules open and eject seeds during the spring, Rose-of-Sharon seed capsules may retain seed and persist into winter.
These capsules are green to brown and color -- offering little ornamental value -- while the seeds inside them are brown. For best results, plant Rose-of-Sharon hibiscus tree seeds in moist, but well-drained soil that contains high amounts of organic matter. The flowers of the Rose-of-Sharon can be several colors including blue, violet, mauve, purple, red and white.
Hawaiian White Hibiscus
Two species of hibiscus tree are known as Hawaiian white hibiscus or koki'o ke'oke'o: Hibiscus waimeae and Hibiscus arnottianus. While both species of hibiscus produce white flowers with pink stamen, their seeds and seed capsules are slightly different. According to the University of Hawaii's native plant propagation database, the seed capsules of the Hibiscus waimeae are tough, approximately an inch long and contain brown seeds. In contrast, the seed capsules of the Hibsicus arnottianus are papery, half-an-inch to an inch long and contain yellowish brown seeds. For best results, plant Hawaiian white hibiscus tree seeds in a moist but well-drained area that receives shade.
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