It is easy to propagate abutilon from cuttings, but by growing abutilon from seed you might be lucky enough to be surprised with new flower colors. Germinating and nurturing abutilon seeds is a simple process for gardeners of all levels. In this article, we’ll cover how to collect Abutilon seeds and techniques for germinating Abutilon seeds so that you can enjoy the stunning flowering maple blooms in just a few months.
While they aren’t technically tropical plants, abutilon make a great addition to a tropical themed garden. Also known as Flowering Maple, Parlor Maple or Chinese Lantern, Abutilon produces stunning bell-shaped flowers in vibrant tropical colors.
The best time of year to plant abutilon seeds is in late winter or early spring. Try to time planting for about a month before the last frost in cold climates. Young plants outdoors will need to be in a sheltered spot to protect them from cool temperatures. You might want to keep growing them as a container plant in a warmer site until early summer if your weather is unpredictable.
If you are in a warm climate or will be growing your flowering maple indoors as a house plant you can plant seeds at any time of the year. You can enjoy year-round showy flowers possible indoors as long as your plant gets enough light (at least 9 hours per day of bright light). Expect the first flowers in as little as 11 weeks if you have done everything right.
Follow these easy instructions to get started.
How to propagate abutilon from seed
Collect Abutilon seeds from a mother plant or purchase from a reputable supplier
The first step in growing abutilon from seed is to collect the seeds from a mother plant. Begin by selecting a healthy mother plant with well-developed seed pods. Timing is important, as the seeds should be collected when they are mature but before they have fallen from the plant. Look for mature seed pods, which will be dry and brown in color and just starting to split open.
Gently remove the pods from the plant and open them up to reveal the seeds inside. It’s best to collect and plant as many seeds as you can, and then select only the healthiest plants after they germinate. It’s important to note that abutilon seeds have a short shelf life, so it’s best to plant them as soon as possible after collecting.
Don’t have a mother plant to collect seeds from? That’s ok, you can buy some at your local nursery or from online sellers.
Prepare your soil and containers.
Before planting your abutilon seeds, it’s important to prepare your soil and containers. Like most plants, Abutilon plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Trays, individual pots or cells are all suitable containers to use. If they have been used before make sure you wash them well and add some bleach or disinfectant to the solution to destroy any bacterial, viral or fungal particles they might be carrying. Make sure your containers have drainage holes at the bottom.
Lastly, purchase or prepare a high-quality seed raising potting mix. If you have regular potting mix you can also add some perlite or sand to the soil to improve drainage, and you can also add organic matter like compost or coir to help the soil retain moisture. Sieve the mix to remove any large pieces.
Plant your abutilon seeds.
Once you have prepared your soil and containers, it’s time to plant your abutilon seeds. Some growers advise that to achieve a high germination rate you need to pre-soak the seeds for up to 8 hours before you plant them. Abutilon seeds don’t have a particularly hard coating though so this step isn’t essential.
When you are ready to plant, start by filling your containers almost to the top with the prepared soil. Then, sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil surface, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, about 3 mm (1/8 inch) deep. Water the soil gently, being careful not to disturb the seeds.
Cover the pots with plastic wrap or a clear lid to create a humid environment. Place the containers in a warm, bright location, such as a sunny window ledge or a greenhouse. This is important because the seeds need light to germinate. The ideal germination temperature is 65-70o F or 18-20o C so room temperature should be just fine. Keep a close eye on the seedlings and water as needed to prevent the soil from drying out. Germination time can be up to 21 days. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and within a few weeks, you should see your abutilon seeds start to sprout.
Water and care for your abutilon seedlings.
Abutilon seeds typically take about 2-4 weeks to germinate. Once your abutilon seeds have sprouted, it’s important to continue to nurture them. Water them regularly, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
As your seedlings put on new growth, you may need to transplant them into larger containers to give them more room to grow. Wait until side shoots start to form on the main stem before you pot them out. Fertilize them every two weeks with a dilute liquid fertilizer or seaweed solution to promote healthy root growth. As the plant gets bigger and starts to form branches you can also pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth. Yellowing or dropping leaves may be a sign of overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Adjust watering and fertilization as needed to keep the plants healthy.
Transplant your abutilon seedlings into your garden.
Once your abutilon seedlings have grown large enough to start producing buds, it’s time to transplant them into your garden. Choose a spot that receives partial shade and has well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of your seedling and gently place it in the hole. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly. Be sure to space your abutilon plants at least 1 m/ 3 feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and varieties of abutilon to create a truly stunning display! White flowers look elegant in a formal garden whereas red, yellow and orange flowers accentuate a tropical planting theme. Pink flowers have appeal in a cottage garden.
Popular Abutilon varieties
The Abutilon genus belongs to the Malvaceae (the hibiscus or mallow family) and comprises 100-150 species. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical South America, but it has become a popular perennial shrub worldwide. For most the appeal is for its beautiful downward facing flowers and attractive palmate or maple-shaped leaves. The flowers come in a range of colors, including white, pink, orange, red, and yellow. They typically bloom in the spring and summer, although some varieties may flower year-round in warm climates (USDA zones 9-10).
In colder climates (USDA zones 8-9) they make a great alternative to hibiscus plants as their flowers are similar. Another benefit of growing Abutilon over hibiscus is that their flowers last up to 10 days, whereas some hibiscus flowers only last one day.
Abutilons will happily grow in full sun or part shade, but they are sensitive to high temperatures and will droop if they don’t get afternoon shade. During sustained high temperatures they may drop flowers and leaves.
If you are growing your flowering maples as container plants help to protect them from hot dry conditions by using larger pots that can hold more soil and therefore more moisture. Self-watering pots are ideal.
There are many Abutilon species, each with its unique features.
Some of the most popular varieties include:
- Abutilon hybridum – This popular Bella series is a group of hybrids that features compact plants with abundant flowers blooming in brilliant shades of pink, orange, red, and yellow. Lucky Lantern are another popular series. Abutilon hybridum is a cross between A. darwinii and A. striatum.
- A. megapotamicum – This variety has slender, trailing stems and small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink and orange. It is sometimes known by the common name of trailing Abutilon. A popular variety is Kentish Belle.
- A. thompsonii – This variety is known for its variegated leaves, which are green and yellow with splashes of pink. The flowers are pink or white. Souvenir de Bonn is a popular cultivar and has a salmon pink flower color.
- A. vitifolium – Also known as Indian mallows, these cultivars come in shades of purple, mauve and white.
No matter which variety you choose, a flowering maple plant is sure to add a touch of bright tropical color to your garden. Whether you grow from seed, cutting or purchase a mature plant, you’ll be glad you’ve added these plants to your garden. Good luck!
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References:
Niu, F., Zhang, D., Ruter, J., & Li, Z. (2014). Propagation and cross compatibility of Abutilon. Acta Horticulturae, (1055), 469-473.
Chapman, B. M. (1987). The effects of photoperiod, pinching, and plant growth regulators on growth and flowering of Abutilon x hybridum (Doctoral dissertation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University).
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