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

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02 Sep 19, David Pringle-Wood (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where in Zimbabwe can I purchase these seeds or seedlings?
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22 Jan 13, Anina van Tonder (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Looking where can I found dried Rosella in South Africa
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04 Jun 15, Yvette (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Anina, did you find any suppliers in SA? I'm in Mpumalanga looking into growing Rosella. Yvette
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24 Mar 17, Pieter (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi Yvette. Could you manage to find seeds for Rosella ? I am also in Mpumalanga and also want to plant some.
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09 Dec 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I use the red petals to make a drink it is just lovely. Pour hot water over. Leave overnight ,strain, then add sugar to taste,three cloves optional Devine in hot weather Bottle and store in refrigerator
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30 Nov 12, Esther (Australia - temperate climate)
I had never heard of this plant !! Would love to buy some seeds and give it a go! Esther
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24 Nov 12, Rosina (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I first came across Rosella growing in an organic herb garden in Bali and bought a packet of dried flowers to use as a tea.
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26 Nov 12, orgasmictomato (Australia - temperate climate)
....... and of course you declared them at customs on the way home........ then you would be not using them for tea.... Jim
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08 May 12, lyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Do I have to replant new bushes when they finish flowering each year?
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07 Feb 13, Salli Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes, plant new rosella bushes because they will die off like an annual and not regrow.
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Showing 231 - 240 of 471 comments
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Rosella. 1st Bunnings are stocking small plants in the Brisbane region .Elsewhere?? (Nov 08) Plant in a free draining bed, enriched with organic matter. If in a warmer climate mulch with sugar cane straw. NOT bark,or wood chip as they cause the soil to go hydrophobic. (water repellent).Use plenty of a nitrogen based fertiliser and get good leaf growth. Plants about 1.2 metres apart. Consider sulphate of potash to get vigorous qualtiy plants.Light side dressings at the roots drip zones..Plants that are well fed and growing strongly are particular able to resist insect and disease attack. If you use seed expect to see it through in 10-14 days.Put slug bait on the covering soil and cover all with 3-4 pages of newspaper or 50mm of cane mulch.Be careful to watch as the seedlings come through so they do not become leggy.Keep damp. We have 7 plants underway on Macleay Island Brisbane.Best wishes and good luck.

- alister (senior gardener)

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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.
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