Hardy Hibiscus

[jimtx]

Have been given a lot of seeds for the Texas Star Hibiscus ..... if I were to grow to sell these .... how big would I want them in the spring? When should I plant them to have them this big? What is the best way to ship ... to package and protect them while shipping?

thanks,

Jim

[Ann B.]

Big questions, Jim! Hibiscus do not like drying out at all, so sending them bare root will present problems. If you ship in the winter when they are dormant, you will have problems with taking a chance with them freezing if you send them to the wrong zone.

Even with bare root shipments, you are supposed to have a license, and this is particularly true if you are going to sell your plants via mail.

You have an excellent resource in your area. It is Texas A&M. I bet if you gave them a call, they would be happy to direct you to the right place to find the answers.

Shipping plants in the mail becomes a legal issue which I am not qualified to answer, but I would love to find out what you learn.

I have found out that even shipping seeds can present a problem, if they are not properly treated and many states do not allow it without a license. I recently received some hibiscus seeds from a friend. When I opened the package, bugs came crawling out. I took some to the county extension office, and they told me that the little critters had hatched from inside the seeds. Still waiting to find out what bugs they are.

And yes, I know that there is a popular web site that promotes exchanging seeds and plants via email, but it is worth it to check out the requirements, especially if you want to sell them.

Tis' not fun to deal with this topic, but I am glad you brought it up.