Firebush Seed Propagation
You can treat firebush as a small tree or a large shrub. It grows between 6 feet and 12 feet (2-4 m.) tall and wide and delights gardeners with its lively, orange-red flowers. This plant really grows fast. If you plant a short specimen in spring, it will be as tall as you are by winter. Firebush can even get to 15 feet (5 m.) tall with a trellis or support. It’s easy and inexpensive to bring firebush into your backyard by firebush seed propagation. But you need to know when to plant firebush seeds in order to get your shrubs off to a good start. The firebush plant propagates from either seed or from cuttings. However, firebush seed sowing is perhaps the easiest propagation method. Many gardeners have succeeded at growing firebush from seed in the garden or backyard. But firebush seed propagation is only appropriate if you live in one of the regions that are warm enough for the plant. Firebush thrives along the California coast as well as the coastal areas on the Gulf of Mexico. Generally, these fall into U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.
When to Plant Firebush Seeds
Planting the seeds depends on your hardiness zone too. Those gardeners living in the warmer zones, zone 10 or zone 11, can plant firebush seeds in any month other than January. However, if you live in hardiness zone 9, you should take care to do firebush seed sowing in the warmer months. If you are wondering exactly when to plant firebush seeds in this zone, you can do so in April through September. Don’t attempt firebush seed propagation in winter months in this area.
How to Plant Firebush Seeds
Growing firebrush from seed is not a difficult matter. The plant is extremely flexible about growing conditions in the right climate. If you use seeds from your own plant, you can simply cut berries open and allow the seed inside to dry out. The seeds are tiny and dry out very rapidly. Start them in seed starting potting mix in a container with a covering to holds in humidity. Scatter the seeds on the soil surface and press them gently. Mist the seeds daily with water. They should sprout in a week or two. Once you see a pair of true leaves, start placing the container gradually into sunlight. Transplant the firebush seedlings to their garden spot when they are a few inches tall (7.5 cm.). Pick an area with sun for best flowers, although firebush also grows in shade.
