Cranberry Hibiscus in Zone 9a & 9b
Hibiscus acetosella
Yes, cranberry hibiscus grows in zones 9a and 9b. Start seeds indoors Dec 28–Jan 4 and plant out Feb 22–Mar 1.
When to plant cranberry hibiscus in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Dec 28–Jan 4 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 22–Mar 1 |
| Estimated bloom | Jun 2–Jun 9 (~100 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: about 4 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 3.5-6 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 9b
These go outside within two weeks of cranberry hibiscus in zone 9b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumFeb 22–Mar 1
- MarigoldFeb 22–Mar 1
- Ageratum (Flossflower)Feb 22–Mar 1
- AmaryllisFeb 22–Mar 1
- Annual Geranium (Pelargonium)Feb 22–Mar 1
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias)Feb 22–Mar 1
Cranberry hibiscus, also called false roselle, is grown for its deep burgundy foliage rather than for its actual hibiscus flowers, prized in floral arrangements as a dramatic, colorful cut foliage.
How cranberry hibiscus fits zone 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Cranberry hibiscus needs about 100 days from transplant to first bloom.
Cranberry Hibiscus planting windows in every zone
Zone 9b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8a & 8b | Feb 4–Feb 11 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jul 10–Jul 17 |
| 9a & 9b (your zone) | Dec 28–Jan 4 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | Jun 2–Jun 9 |
Bloom dates are about 100 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for cranberry hibiscus.
Where to buy cranberry hibiscus seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries cranberry hibiscus seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing cranberry hibiscus" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 9b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Cranberry Hibiscus in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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