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 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

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18 Jun 10, Jean (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi, you can pick them once the calyx has firmed up.
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13 May 10, Lisa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I would like to preserve the rosella flowers for a friend, like they do commercially for the bottom of your champagne glass. Can anyone help?
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23 May 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Lisa, I've never seen the flowers like this - are they dried out or soft enough to eat when you've finished your champagne?
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24 May 10, Meredith (Australia - temperate climate)
They're usually preserved in syrup, so they're a bit chewy at the end of the champagne but quite edible.
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10 May 10, carol (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
To dry the rosellas, separate the seed and dry the red calyx in an electric dehydrator. Use the dried flesh for a lovely cup of tea, adding sugar if desired. I made some teabags from dressmakers light interfacing, from the drapers, adding a cotton thread tag.
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09 May 10, Desley Corbet (Australia - tropical climate)
I usually plant seedlings in Sept/Oct. This year we had several weeks of continuous rain and although the plants grew I have not got much fruit from them to date. Now they are flowering but tend to be wilting from the top and will probably die. Can anyone give me a tip to correct the problem
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07 May 10, Sue (Australia - temperate climate)
how do you get the seed out of the rosella fruit. When can you purchase a seed podder for them.
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08 Jun 10, Manuela (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Sue, Use an apple corer, it works really well. Push it through from the bottom up. Good luck, it makes beautiful jam and cordial.
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02 May 10, Joy G (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have a Rosella Bush growing and at present it is about 1.5mtr high and about the same in width, this is my first experience of growing one. It is absolutely covered in fruit, however I am not sure on how big they will grow before I am able to pick them. Could someone please advise me on this? thank you
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08 Jun 10, Manuela (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Joy, They can be harvested at any time, once the calyx has firmed. Some grow up to the size of a walnut, others hazelnut. And remove the seed with an apple corer, it's quite easy that way.
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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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