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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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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07 Feb 13, Salli Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Jennifer I hope you saved some seed, 'cause that is the best way to grow them. The rosella bushes are annuals and will die.
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06 May 12, Pat Wallace (Australia - temperate climate)
We remember the taste of Rosella jam from 30 years ago when we lived near Lismore, NSW. I picked up 2 plants from a market on the coast but am trying to grow them near Tamworth, frost country. At present they are still in pots on the verandah & surviving with a few beautiful, red "flowers". I want to seed save from them. Any hints would be very welcome.
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14 Jun 12, Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I found saving seed is easiest by removing the outer calyx and putting the pods in a dry warm spot to open.
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30 Apr 12, blanckensee (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
First timw growers 10 bushers for Jam We have small fruit but flowers also. What is the story about to do with flowers. Don
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29 Apr 12, grant schirmer (Australia - arid climate)
please can someone tell what to spray my rosella plants with as they r being eaten by insects and have white aphids all on then . these plants r in flower. many thanks.
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20 Apr 12, Janine (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can someone please tell when to pick my rosellas, Ive relocatd from WA and have no idea, but want to either make wine or jelly.....or anything really....
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01 Apr 12, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi , Wanting to know how to preserve rosella flowers for decoration in italian wine treat? Thanks.
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31 Mar 12, Robert Maxwell (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are the buds picked before or afteer flowering?
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30 Mar 12, Kathy Hunt (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Is there a source for the rosella seeds in the US? If so, how can I acquire some?
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Showing 241 - 250 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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