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

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16 Sep 24, Clive Aucott (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Does Roselle go by other names?
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26 Sep 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They generally give other names in the heading. Jam Plant.
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24 Nov 24, Maree (Australia - tropical climate)
Rosella is a shrub that is prolific in tropical gardens in Australia. The red flowers are usually used in making jam but I think you could make a nice cordial out of it. But you need a lot of flowers.
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23 Mar 24, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
What other plants can you grow with this plant to maximise the ground space.
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25 Mar 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They need their space and nutrient from that space to produce a good crop.
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18 Oct 23, Anne (Australia - tropical climate)
Can I freeze the raw fruit until I have enough to be able to make jam.
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19 Oct 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
yes
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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.
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24 May 23, Iman (Canada - Zone 6b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Does roselle grow in Edmonton as a perennial or annual?
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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.
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The wilting may be due to a fungal infection in the soil. The fungus enters the roots and into the plants stems then into the leaves. The wilting is a sign of stress. There are several causes of stress such as too much water or not enough, and poorly drained or compacted soil. You need to tackle the problem as soon as the wilting starts. If the plant is in full sun then the heat places the fungi infected plant under more stress. Place some shade over the plant such as an old umbrella for a start or, if possible, remove the plant and place it into the shade. Pick off the yellow leaves so that the plant does not waste energy in causing them to drop off. Leave the green wilting leaves alone. Treat the plant with an appropriate fungicide. If you leave the plant in the ground you might consider using worm casting. You could call a garden club that has hibiscus enthusiasts to seek advice.

- Stephen Young

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