Growing Rosella, also Queensland Jam Plant, Roselle

Hibiscus Subdantta : Malvaceae / the mallow family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 5a regions

  • Sow in garden, or start in seed trays. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 20°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 140 cm apart
  • Harvest in 21-25 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Feverfew, Coriander, Nasturtium and Hyssop
  • Rosellas on plant
  • Rosella bud
  • Rosella plant

This frost tender annual grows to a height of 2 metres. It is grown for its red fruit which make delicious jam or jelly.

Rosella needs a growing season of at least 6 months warm weather so is best suited to tropical or sub-tropical areas. Can be started under glass in cooler areas. Water well and give a dressing of fertiliser when flowering starts.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Rosella

The large flowers produce a crimson enlarged calyx.
Use the fleshy red calyx, without the green seed pod to make jam or jelly.

Your comments and tips

16 Sep 24, Clive Aucott (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Does Roselle go by other names?
26 Sep 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They generally give other names in the heading. Jam Plant.
23 Mar 24, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
What other plants can you grow with this plant to maximise the ground space.
25 Mar 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They need their space and nutrient from that space to produce a good crop.
18 Oct 23, Anne (Australia - tropical climate)
Can I freeze the raw fruit until I have enough to be able to make jam.
19 Oct 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
yes
06 Sep 23, Wendy Paterson (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
If anyone is looking for Roselle/Rosella seed in South Africa go to livingseeds online store.
24 May 23, Iman (Canada - Zone 6b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Does roselle grow in Edmonton as a perennial or annual?
25 May 23, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Winter in Edmonton would be too cold for Roselle to survive, so treat it as an annual.
10 Feb 23, Noelene Mayfield and Gordon Mayfield (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What would be eating my rosella bushes also ants on the trees. Should i fertilizer with what Thanks Noelene
Showing 1 - 10 of 471 comments

After a lovely harverst, I cut down the plant and a few of them look like as if they are dying. How do I look after them after flowering and seeding as this is my first year. Comment for jam making, you do not have to boil the seedpods, there is enough pectin in the fleshy part to set and it is a cleaner taste. I have been making jam for years.

- Renate

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