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

27 Apr 14, Sangita (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello, I'm not much into making jams, but am always looking for various different plants to increase the nutritional value and variety in my cooking. Mary Williams, mentioned using Rosella buds in a curry. I'm just wondering where else Rosella can be used, apart from jams and jellies? Thanks..
26 Apr 14, Kevin Campbell (Australia - tropical climate)
I make and sell Rosella products at local markets. As a requirement of the food standards of Australia/New Zealand, I have to include the nutritional values of Rosella 'fruit'. I have not been able to find this list anywhere. Can anyone help, please? (Before I pull ALL of my hair out) This is what is required as follows; Energy: kJ Protein: g Total fat: g Saturated fat: g Carbohydrate: g Sugars: g Sodium: mg
20 May 14, Richard (Australia - temperate climate)
Try the USDA (US Dept of Ag) or FDA (US food & drug admin). I recall reading a PDF doc from them a few years back that listed all that info for various foods. It had caloric, fat, protein & mineral composition of a large number of food items. Rosella (or US name equivalent) may be amongst them.
20 Apr 14, May Williams (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I buy some rosella buds if you could sell it as I like cooking rosella buds as my traditional curry. May
16 Apr 14, Richard (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Melbourne and am growing Rosellas for the first time . My plants are now around 1 1/2 metres high and fruiting really well. A month ago I put my 5 plants in a small greenhouse and water them with warm water to keep the soil a little warmer and they seem to be quite happy. I have learnt a lot and look forward to a much better result next season. A childhood treat to be relived in my 60's.
17 Jan 16, Timothy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Richard, I'm looking for this plant, would you be able let me know where can I get them. I live in Melbourne as well. Must appreciated and thank you. Timothy.
25 Mar 14, Wendy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Rosella fruit are crimson / burgundy in colour and are ready to pick about 3 weeks after the flower falls off.
14 Mar 14, Margaret Williams (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What colour should the Rosella Berries be when ready for harvest?
05 Mar 14, ALEX LOSEW (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
how to grow rosella in a black soil environment and the best position I live in Kingsthorpe qld
10 Feb 14, John Campbell (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
This year our plants are not fruiting very well. We planted in November. Friends are having the same trouble. Also fruit has green stripes on them and quite a few centre seeds have been brown and dried up. Does anyone know the cause? We live near Brisbane QLD
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