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Joe, OK Mr. Ludick, you got me hooked on hibiscus. A while back while I was in Tampa on business, I happened upon a hibiscus show at the fair grounds where I viewed a myriad of blooms, each more beautiful than the other. On checking my mail when I got home to south Georgia, I was directed to your article regarding hybridizing. Since it was spring time and my garden variety hibiscus were all blooming, I started crossing some of the blooms in my yard. I discovered that pods were forming and this really gave me hope. I stored these seeds in my utility room which was kept warm by my washing machine. Come spring, I planted the seeds as per your instructions. I put six or eight seeds in 4" pots, using a fine potting soil. The pots were placed outdoors in a shaded area and kept moist. About 80% of them germinated. Incidentally, I nicked all of the seeds. As the plants got about 4" high, I moved them into individual pots which prompted another burst of growth. Next problem: Where to plant a hundred seedlings! I discovered
that I had about 18" on the outside of my patio fencing that would
my treasure trove would fit into if I kept all rows and plants six
inches apart. My seedlings seemed to thrive on their new freedom and
quickly sprang up to the top of the railing. I believe I should have
waited until at least June before planting as it gets cool in south
Georgia, and in fact we had a few days where the temperature hung
around 32 degrees but it did not bother my babies, which seemed to
thrive on the cooler weather. I fertilized weekly from one of those miracle Grow containers that hook onto the garden hose. It takes a few minutes, but the plants love you for fertilizing that way. But now for my next problem. Some of my seedlings (babies I believe you call them) are starting to bloom. To me, they are all show winners. How do I register them? How do I compare them with other blooms to see if they merit registration? Does it cost anything to register a bloom? Are there shows, chapters, botanical gardens or places in north Florida where I can compare my blooms with others? Your Friend
Dear Friend, I am sending you a copy of the Seed Pod. This is the quarterly newsletter for the American Hibiscus Society (AHS), the official organization where you can register your new seedling. To register a bloom with the AHS you must obtain a form from the Executive Secretary, Jeri Grantham at PO Box 321540, Cocoa Beach, FL 32952-1540. To see a sample of the form, click here. In order to compare your bloom to see if you want to register it, get a copy of a Hibiscus Catalog that is advertised in the Seed Pod and is on the AHS web site. In order to register your bloom, first, it needs to be significantly different from any other registered blooms. Second, you must use the British Color Chart to identify the color of the blooms. To see the chart, click here. Lastly, you must identify the type of foliage on the bush. Someone at your County Agriculture Department should be able to help you. There is no charge to register your bloom with the AHS. The Seed Pod has show dates and locations of AHS shows that are held around the country. Good Luck and may all your seedlings be the prettiest flowers in South Georgia. Joe Ludick
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