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 Mar 21, Josie Lamattina (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi I have rosella fruit just wondering when are they ready to pick? Mine are not all red they have green as well are they still ok to use ?
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04 Jul 20, Colleen (Australia - tropical climate)
My mum has rosella bushes and they have been fully loaded with fruit and before the fruit is ready the bushes are just dying. This is also happening to her neighbour . All her vegetables and roses and gerbera are not having a problem. Any suggestions??
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07 Apr 20, Brenden (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I’m in Perth and my plants have been growing nicely till few weeks ago the leaves are starting to go lighter / yellow and brown on the worst on the out skirts of the leave. Any ideas why
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10 Jul 11, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
where can I buy some seed to plant. thank you
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16 May 11, Diana Adelaide (Australia - temperate climate)
Ant don't like turmeric. You can stop the ant by making a circle of turmeric powder at the base of the plant where ants won't cross it. Or sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area on the plant.
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15 May 11, ken (Australia - tropical climate)
how to stop ants carrying Aphids up into the rosella trees and into the maturing fruit.
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25 Mar 17, Bryan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have ants crawling all over rosella trees which are almost a metre high.
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25 Mar 19, Peter (Australia - tropical climate)
I have found that using an ant spray on the ground under the bush works. The spray I use is called
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20 Feb 17, Vera Caltabiano (Australia - temperate climate)
how to stop ants carrying Aphids into rosella trees and into maturing fruit
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09 May 11, Helen (Australia - tropical climate)
Contrary to the culinary advice, use the whole 'fruit' for jam making. Separate the lovely red calyx from the green seed pod. Cover the seed pods with water and boil for 15-20 mins then strain the pods out and use the liquid to start cooking the calyxes (you will probably need to add more water). The pods contain the fruit's pectin supply so the jam will set much better.
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Showing 291 - 300 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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