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Growing Hibiscus from Bare Root in Containers

Here is a breakdown on cultivating stunning hibiscus from bare root stock:

Planting:

• Pot them upon arrival. Use a 3-gallon container with a peat/bark mix (pH 6.0-6.5) for each plant.
• After the last frost, place the dormant plants outdoors with drip irrigation, spaced at least eighteen inches apart.
• Allow 12-14 weeks for them to mature.

Care:

• Feeding: They love fertilizer! Use a constant liquid feed with 150-200ppm nitrogen at every watering or incorporate a controlled release fertilizer during potting. Aim for an EC rate of 2.5-3.5 using the pour-through method.
• Watering: Keep them consistently moist. Signs of dryness include yellowing leaves and buds, followed by dropping. Drip irrigation is ideal.
• Lighting: They crave intense light to flower and develop vibrant foliage. Grow them outdoors in full sun or greenhouses with very high light. Long days are essential for flowering.
• Temperature: Warmth is key! They thrive in temperatures of 68°F or higher. Cool temperatures will result in slow growth and pale leaves. Outdoor summer conditions are perfect, as long as they stay moist.

Pests and Diseases:

• Watch out for pests like Japanese beetles, sawflies, spider mites, and whiteflies. Regularly check for infestations. Diseases are uncommon.

Finishing Touches:

• Pinching and PGRs: After potting, pinch the top growth back to 3-5 nodes. One week later, drench the plant with 1ppm uniconazole (Sumagic). Allow 6 weeks from the last pinch for flowering. Proper spacing is crucial for well-rounded plants.

Skip the Forcing:

• Forcing hibiscus is not recommended because they need long days to flower, and the process is expensive. Allow them to flower naturally in midsummer to maximize profit.

The Reward:

• With proper care, your hibiscus will transform into stunning showstoppers, boasting big, tropical blooms that will catch everyone's eye!