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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
03 Jan 09, Christine McNab Visick (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am a transplanted Qld'er living in the central plateau of Madagascar, in Antananarivo. The temperatures are very much like Toowoomba, Qld. I brought Rosella seeds with me, planted the seedlings out the first week of Nov 08. They are growing vigorously and flowering nicely. Small fruit are starting to appear. Question: when should I expect the fruit crop to peak?
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Jan 09, alan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
rosella seed is available from eden seeds kyogle also plants are available from logan central markets in season.
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Jan 09, YESSE (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I started to grow rosella in DAR ES SALAAM TANZANIA this january, my intension is to do research and making combination with other plant to get new product.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Feb 09, Anne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Why are my rosella plants wilting. There are no obvious signs of insect infestation. Could it be nematodes in the soil?
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Feb 09, Cass (Australia - temperate climate)
We have 3 rosella bushes that are growing out of control. Do we need to prune them and when is best. How many bushes do you need for home use jam.
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Feb 09, margaret (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
my rosella bushes are growing into very healthy bushes but there are no flowers or fruitby now i am sure they should be loaded
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Feb 09, Aaron Mrikaria (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I would like to exchange ideas with gardeners about growing rosella and other vegitables. l have 100 planted rosella tree. 2 months old.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Mar 09, Lara (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, im growing rosella for the first time this year, the bush is loaded with buds...I bought the seedling at bunnings. if anyone wants to buy rosella seeds i would reccomend Cornucopia seeds and plants. to find it easier just type in rosella to the seach thingy at the top of their page. hope it helps
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Mar 09, Lara (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
hi Anne, by the sounds of it your rosellas have root rot, im not ssure what you can do about it, maybe GOOGLE it lol
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Mar 09, kath (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i have just bought 2 rosella plants someone told me that after one season you pull them out is this right? thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 31 - 40 of 469 comments
See comments for all plants

After a lovely harverst, I cut down the plant and a few of them look like as if they are dying. How do I look after them after flowering and seeding as this is my first year. Comment for jam making, you do not have to boil the seedpods, there is enough pectin in the fleshy part to set and it is a cleaner taste. I have been making jam for years.

- Renate

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.