HI Pauline
Once the seeds germinate and you have little shoots be sure to place them in a bright light and keep the temperature slightly cooler. You want to grow them slowly and strongly. bright light and amount of water are important. Not enough light will produce weak, leggy plants and too much water can invite fungal problems(damping off). You may want to add supplemental artificial light. Let the seedlings dry slightly before watering but not to the wilting point. Once your seedlings are about 2 inches tall fertilize lightly(1/2 strength) to provide more nutrients. When you transplant your seedlings to a larger container be sure you use good well drained potting soil. It will make a difference. Check your plants every day for watering, the larger they get the more often you will have to water. For more info on Starting seeds

Yellowing leaves can indicate that the plant is under stress as it is adjusting to the new environment caused by not enough water, too much water or not enough fertilizer. They are heavy feeders but like light fertilizer often. As for the insects scale and aphids are common; in order to treat them – you need to identify them first -they may be lurking in the night. If you find an insect take it to your local university extension office as they may be able to help identify it.

Timing is important. If you plant too early you’ll get tall, leggy plants because they are not getting enough light indoors. You can use grow lights or a shop fixture with fluorescent bulbs (one warm and one cool). Suspend the light a few inches above the seedling and raise it as they grow taller. The seedlings will need 16-18 hours of daily light. I set my plants outside for a few hours each day, when the temperature gets over 60 degrees and bring them in at night for 7-10 days prior to planting . This “hardens off” the seedlings and acclimates them to the upcoming garden environment. Also by this time, they will be transplanted into larger pots . Peppers are more sensitive to cooler temperatures so make sure it is warm enough for them outdoors.

Texas Star (Hibiscus coccineus) swamp hibiscus, Scarlet Rose Mallow, a native to U.S. is hardy in zones 6-11 (-10 F to 40 F.) .Likes sun to partial shade, blooms in mid-late summer. Needs lots of moisture, great for wet areas, bogs and water gardens. Propagation is from direct seed sowing . Collect the seedheads from the plant when they are dry. Break open the pod to remove seeds. The scarlet flower attracts hummingbirds. You will get more blossoms in a sunny exposure.