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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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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07 May 12, jennifer (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
we have moved to warwick and there is 2 rosella bushes in our back yard around 1 met high i have picked fruit and made jam.my question is do i have to prune the bush and if so when.also how offten does it produce fruit any hints are welcomed thankyou
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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

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