Tropical hibiscus 'Curly Top'

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

How to grow Tropical hibiscus 'Curly Top'

  • Full Sun

  • Medium

Tropical hibiscus are highly sensitive to phosphorus (the middle “P” number on fertilizers) and an excessive amount will kill the plant. Do not use so-called “bloom fertilizers” on them. Instead tropical hibiscus need a lot of potash to bloom properly (the last number or “K” on fertilizers). Palm fertilizers are widely available and usually have the proper ratio of a medium-low-high NPK ratio along with needed minors.

The pesticide malathion will defoliate tropical hibiscus. Do not use it for pest control.

Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that Curly Top is thought of as tender, so it is really important to ensure that the outside temperature is well above freezing before planting or moving outdoors.

Growing Curly Top from seed

Transplanting Curly Top

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Curly Top is a tender plant.

Harvesting Curly Top

Footnotes