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
S             S S S S S
T T T           T T T T
P P             P P P P

(Best months for growing Rosella in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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

Your comments and tips

21 Jun 15, rae (Australia - arid climate)
where can I buy seeds or seedlings, thank you.
19 Jul 15, Prometheus (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Rae, I notice my regular seed supplier sells these. It won't let me paste the link but if you google 'the seed collection australia' you should find them. Best wishes.
17 May 15, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
Do they fruit once and the tree dies
19 May 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
No they have not even flowered or fruited yet?
19 Apr 15, Debi (Canada - Zone 8a Mild Temperate climate)
I live in one of the warmest climate zones in Canada on Vancouver Island and would like to grow rosella here on the coast of the Salish Sea. I was wondering if they would grow as a protected annual here, or with luck a perennial?
27 Feb 16, Brigitte (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
I live in Vancouver,BC and would like to grow them too. Have you already tried? I think I'll start seeds and grow them in my greenhouse.
02 Mar 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you pull out plants when finished fruiting or can you leave them in for the next season?
02 May 15, Lilli (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I pull mine out each year when they are past their prime and the seed pods are bursting open.
25 Feb 15, Rhonda Milliner (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have grown rosellas for the first time. They are about 2400mm high and very wide and producing lots of fruit. I've been making jam and cordial [delicious] as well as giving lots away. I can't believe how well they have done and how easy to grow. .I can pick at least a bucketful a week. Tips: I watered them when young and haven't done anything else since except pick. I use scissors to cut off fruit.
15 Feb 15, Helen (Australia - temperate climate)
I've got 4 successful seedlings all about 10cm high. I grew them in a strawberry container on the window sill in the kitchen. Soon I'm going to transplant them into pots. I'm hesitant as by June it is winter here, and it gets very very cold, hence my reason for large pots, I'll keep them either inside or under the verandah. Has anyone else got any tips?
Showing 171 - 180 of 472 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Rosella

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.