The love for the "shoe flower" (as I knew the Hibiscus in my childhood) was in my case driven by the care and maintenance of my locks and one of the common ingredients that made it into the home made Shikakai that was used to wash ones hair. Talk about using natural products....I think growing up in India in the 80's gave us the best of both worlds. The craze for shampoos took over pretty soon...enticed by the catchy ads that were aired and the ease with which one could use them.
Though I am a big sucker for fragrant flowers like the Jasmine and roses, the Hibiscus holds a very special place. Over the last few years, every time I see a Hibiscus plant in the nursery, I have fond memories of growing up and collecting Hibiscus flowers. In the process I have managed to kill quite a few of them, when under the pretext of protecting them from the frost, I moved them into the garage (without much sunlight) and they ended up getting attacked by Aphids.
So I was all the more excited to find hibiscus seeds online and promptly ordered them. They are much cheaper and I would have a few good ones at the end of the process even after accounting for the many slip ups that would happen in the course of raising them.
I followed the instructions and soaked them overnight.
I had no luck with te "Kenaf" seeds. The "Horizon Herbs" seeds were the most prolific. The "Baker creek" ones were not too bad. They are all now 5 inch plants and thriving in the hot summer weather that is coming up.
Here is how the Horizon Herbs plants are doing now. I am in the process of transplanting them individually to 5 gallon pots and eventually putting them into the ground in the next 2 months.
I only have 5 of the Kenaf plants but they seem more healthier and stronger than the ones above
Gosh, you've got such a great blog here I am surprised you don't have comments. I know you have readers. It is hard when we begin blogging to believe anyone is reading what we write, but folks are. I found a cool way to track it and it is thru Sitemeter. I'm not sure if you have it but you might check into it so you can relax folk are reading:) though they might not be commenting. Most of the time commenters are bloggers and you have to get out there so other bloggers know of you.
ReplyDeleteI found a recipe in our local electric magazine that used hibiscus blooms for flavoring in a drink. I so wanted to try it but never find the time. I think they'd be great for shampoo as well. I'm glad your seeds germinated. They will look great in your garden and are growing fast!
I was looking thru your blog and enjoyed the before/after posts on your yard. Even the grass growing posts. It is always amazing to me what a change a few folks can make when they care about their home. You've made a stunning transition!
Anyhow, take care. I'm pretty wordy on my comments, sorry.
Thank you for your kind words Tina. I will check out the site meter.
ReplyDeleteDried Hibiscus flowers are an excellent hair conditioner. You just blend the dried flowers with water into a pasty mixture and apply it to wet hair and wash it off, it makes your hair feel silky smooth :) I still collect them and use it when I have the patience to get the prep work done.
My pleasure. You take care. Hope I wasn't too forward but I always wished I had some tips thrown my way when I began blogging so I try to do the same for others.
ReplyDeleteI plan to try the hibiscus tip for a hair conditioner too!