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 68°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 55 inches apart
  • Harvest in 21-25 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Feverfew, Coriander, Nasturtium and Hyssop

Your comments and tips

25 Apr 17, Giovanni (Australia - temperate climate)
Yates have a product called Natures Way Caterpillar Killer - Dipel. This is a natural bacteria spray that is absolutely harmless to everything except caterpillars. It works by disrupting the digestive system in the caterpillar which then dies.
13 Apr 17, Gwendolyn T (USA - Zone 4b climate)
I've started my seeds in a pot..can you tell me about how long until they sprout
14 Apr 17, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
From my research Rosella takes 8-10 days to germinate and, as it is sub-tropical, needs warm soil.
01 Apr 17, Donna Purcell (Australia - temperate climate)
I have five bushes.Two are growing well and have produced fruit but not enough for jam.Does anyone know if picked fruit stores well in a fridge until there is enough? And does picking fruit encourage more fruit to grow?
13 Apr 17, Dave (Australia - temperate climate)
You can freeze them till you have enough from next picking
03 Apr 17, Giovanni (Australia - temperate climate)
I haven't done it but I have heard of others that have.
11 Mar 17, Kerry (Australia - temperate climate)
I am growing Rosella in my aquaponics it is doing really well 600mms high 2 of them but I don't know how it will go through winter any guesses?
11 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Rosella is an annual plant. You could save some seed for next season. All the best.
22 Mar 17, kerry (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the best way to collect seeds
08 Mar 17, Steve (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Im looking to grow a large crop of rosellas . the land Im looking at is next to the Houghton river NQ & it floods from time to time. How do you think they go ? some plants recover , this area drains quickly but great soil & 100 megs of allocation .
Showing 121 - 130 of 470 comments

I grow a large plantation of approx 900 plants. If you are organic - Utilise pyrithrum for mites that may attack the stems. If you have drainage issues the root rot is cause by Needmatodes in the soil. It is very important not to re-plant a rosella straight away in the same location. Make sure your beds are well rested to rebuild core nutrients and particularly nitrogen for a good return harvest. While bed resting make sure you toss the soil for subsoil airation as well. @ 2 months they do appreciate a slight scatter of dynamic lifter and if you can source it prior to flowering worm castings - an incredibly rich furtiliser that makes up 1litre per 1 gram. I have been supplying the flower in syrup for years which is most commonly used in either drinks or served over ice cream and have recently made Rosella vinegar. Another hint is to make it into a sauce for pork - Devine taste!!! For any enquiries please email myself: zenon.kowalczyk (at) gmail.com

- Zenon

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.