They do go through cycles. Since they bloom on new growth, then they need to create that new growth, mature it, and then they start flowering. Many who have them ground-planted in the south selectively prune them to encourage branching and new growth year-round with various stages happening at the same time on the plant. They can bloom all year long including while inside, but in order to do that, they need alot of strong light and warmth.

If yours is able to produce seeds (many are self-sterile), they would come from spent blooms that form a good-sized seed capsule behind where the flower petals would have been. These need to dry in situ and then can be removed to extract any seeds from the casing.

I'm assuming you have triopcal hibiscus, which don't self-seed.
This site: http://trop-hibiscus.com/hibseed.html
gives step by step instructions on the pollination process.
Good luck! I love growing tropicals from seed. Especially when people are SO impressed when you grew that gorgeous blooming specimen from seed!
Barb

can this plant grow out side north of boston all year long