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

22 Mar 21, Josie Lamattina (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have over 100 plants just wondering if anyone knows where I could sell the fruit ?
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 ?
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??
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
10 Jul 11, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
where can I buy some seed to plant. thank you
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.
15 May 11, ken (Australia - tropical climate)
how to stop ants carrying Aphids up into the rosella trees and into the maturing fruit.
25 Mar 17, Bryan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have ants crawling all over rosella trees which are almost a metre high.
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
20 Feb 17, Vera Caltabiano (Australia - temperate climate)
how to stop ants carrying Aphids into rosella trees and into maturing fruit
Showing 291 - 300 of 472 comments

The wilting may be due to a fungal infection in the soil. The fungus enters the roots and into the plants stems then into the leaves. The wilting is a sign of stress. There are several causes of stress such as too much water or not enough, and poorly drained or compacted soil. You need to tackle the problem as soon as the wilting starts. If the plant is in full sun then the heat places the fungi infected plant under more stress. Place some shade over the plant such as an old umbrella for a start or, if possible, remove the plant and place it into the shade. Pick off the yellow leaves so that the plant does not waste energy in causing them to drop off. Leave the green wilting leaves alone. Treat the plant with an appropriate fungicide. If you leave the plant in the ground you might consider using worm casting. You could call a garden club that has hibiscus enthusiasts to seek advice.

- Stephen Young

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