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

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
13 Feb 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Summer brings rain - rain brings insects and grubs. Look on the leaves at night time and pinch off. Use some chemical sprays or organic mix. Any general fertiliser.
11 Dec 22, Ray Butterworth (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
Where can I buy rosella seeds or plants in the UK ?
15 Feb 23, (United Kingdom - warm/temperate climate)
There is no planting guide for Rosella for United Kingdom. Probably not warm enough to grow.
25 Nov 22, Mike Fishlock (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
When do I sow Rozella seeds in UK
28 Oct 22, Sheryn Verner (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Do I cut back my rosella plant after fruiting.? Mine seems to be dying, not a single leaf on it.
10 Jul 22, Daniel E Brumbaugh (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I started a tray of roselle in June an I'm planting now in July. Is it too late? I know that roselle blooms when the days start getting shorter, how does this work after the summer solstice?
12 Jul 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
It does say plant in March.
10 May 22, Glynnis (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I've grown Roselle successfully in Grabouw, W.Cape, SA. Love everything about it!
21 Mar 22, C J Graham (USA - Zone 8a climate)
When is it safe to transplant my rosella in zone 8a?
Showing 11 - 20 of 472 comments

Hi There I moved to Bellingen 3 years ago and have been growing Rosella every year since arriving. I first tried growing them in tyres and they were great. Trying pots this year. I bought 10 seedlings that were about 5inches high from the local market. I got 10 x 42 litre rubber tubs with handles ( those colorful ones ). I drilled 12 holes in the bottom of each and 6 around the lower outside about two inches up from the bottom. Put some broken pots or stones at the bottom for drainage and fill with nice soil, compost, manure, lime and anything else that would give the plants a great start, but i waited about a month before transplanting the rosellas as i wanted to make sure everything blended together nicely. These little trees are now growing nicely and because of the handles I can move them around if I need to. 1) Don't drown them....They don't like wet feet but don't let them dry out either and cover them with mulch. 2) They love sun but will survive in filtered light. 3) The plant will grow about 5/6ft tall and Fruit will start to appear as it's maturing. 4) The best time to pick the fruit is when it's about 5 or 6cm long 5) Use scissors and don't cut too close to the branch.....cut at the bottom of the fruit and leave the little stem on the tree. By doing this you just might get another lot of fruit before the trees dies off. Yes it will die after fruiting and you will have to plant new trees next year. By the way, the flower develops first but will only be in bloom for one day. It resembles the hybiscus flower and the fruit will take about 3 weeks to develop after the flower blooms. When they're ready I pick a few of them every day and I store them in freezer bags until I have enough for Jam. Take the pod from the petals and freeze them in separate bags. Well worth growing and If you need to know more let me know Good luck Wendy

- Wendy McGregor

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.