Propagating Rose of Sharon from Cuttings vs. Seeds

Cutting Propagation (Clonal)

Timing: Late spring (softwood cuttings).

1. Take 6–8" cuttings, strip all but top 2 leaves.
2. Remove any flower buds.
3. Dip in rooting hormone.
4. Stick 1" deep in warm, wet sand.
5. Root in ~8 weeks.

Seed Propagation (Variable)

Easier but not true to type if parent is hybrid.

1. Sow ½" deep in moist potting mix.
2. Germinates in ~10 days at 70°F.
3. Seedlings grow rapidly.

Recommendation

Use cuttings for exact clones. Use seeds for volume, experimentation, or if species type (non-hybrid).