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

17 Jul 11, Simone (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in Tropical WA (above broome) and the rosellas grow like wildfire-huge busheswith numerous of what I am told are really big flowers, if anyone needs some seeds let me know and if your state will allow them in , I will send you some.
07 Jan 12, grace couchman (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Simone. I drank rosella tea in Laos and fell in love with it but of course could not bring it home. I would love you to send me some. [email protected]
01 Oct 11, Vicki (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi Simone, I live in Cairns and would love to have some seeds if you can send me some. I love rosellas but, for some reason, they don't seems to be popular here. Just about everything grows here though. Many thanks.
14 Sep 11, (Australia - tropical climate)
YES PLEASE!!!!! PO BOX 544 Toowoomba 4350 i'll actually grow them in Brisbane so would absolutely LOVE some seeds if possible THANKS so MUCH!!!! Celia
31 Aug 11, Lachlan Gordon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Simone, I would love it if you could send me some Rossella seeds. My father loves the Rosella jam and we have to go around various markets to look for the home made stuff. I would love to be able to grow and make my own for him. My email is [email protected] Thank you so much!
01 Sep 11, Robert Shayo (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi my friend, Could you please send to me some hints on how to prepare the rosella jam as your grand mom used to made. Thank you.
12 Aug 11, Lynn Thomson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Simone, I would love some seeds please. I was over your way this time last year and saw the rosellas there. At the time I had no idea that I would be looking for seeds a year leter. My Mother used to grow them and make jam and she passed away in May and as a tribute to her I plan to grow rosellas on my property so I can think of her and remember the times we spent growing the plants, picking the fruit, separating the seed pod and eating the reward at the end. Thanks for the offer.
03 Aug 11, Robyn Rowe (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Simone I live in Kalgoorlie and would love to grow some rosellas like my mother used to for jam. If you would be so kind as to send me some seeds my PO Box number is 10766 Kalgoorlie WA 6433. Would be happy to send you a mystery env of seed packets if you like or pls name your price. Kind regards Robyn
16 Jul 11, Roger Goebel (Australia - tropical climate)
Rosellas can be used for jam, topping, wine, jelly, chutney, paprika substitute ect. All "fruits" /calyx (the red fleshy cone) are used after the yellow flower opens for a day then dies. Full sized "fruits" take a couple of weeks from flowering and get to around 6cm long 10g+. smallest fruit about 4cm and 5g. Don't let seed capsule dry out. Most recipes require the "flower" to be separated from the seed capsule, can do this with a tool made from a push bike pump handle with 6cm of steel tube. I also eat young leaves of rosella bush. Packet seeds are often available from various seed packet producers check online or better for a quick start get plants in punnets from garden shop.I'm a 2nd generation jam maker growing rosellas sincef cub gardeners badge in early 60's.
28 Mar 23, Fay (Australia - tropical climate)
I have a rosella bush I bought , it's about 6ft tall but has not produced any fruit can you tell me why
Showing 281 - 290 of 472 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Rosella

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.