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

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07 Jul 09, Rasputen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Rosella wine (from notes 24/04/1988). Basically followed a recipe for rhubarb wine - My notes are a bit sketchy but can provide what details that I have for anyone interested. Makes a fabulous looking, great tasting wine.
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24 Sep 16, dave adams (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
could you send me a copy of your rosella wine please, I would love to try it , thanks
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03 May 12, sue ware (Australia - tropical climate)
Would love your recipe for Rhubarb and rosella wine have tree out back!
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18 Sep 16, Greg Wheeldon (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like a recipe for Rosella Wine. Can anyone assist please.
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18 Apr 11, Joan (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like your recipe for Rosella wine. I have made quite a few fruit wines. My rosellas are ready to be picked.
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04 Nov 10, Karen Mehonoshen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I would like to try the rosella wine recipe or any other of the rosella recipes you have. You can email me. Thanks so much.
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25 Jun 09, mavis (Australia - tropical climate)
My rossella plants have chewed stems on the end of some branches. I can not see any insect infestation but would like some advise please. I do not spray with chemicals.
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05 Jun 09, karen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
anyone out there with a rosella wine recipe??? thanks
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30 May 09, shirley richards (Australia - tropical climate)
i would like to know when to harvest fruit and how is the best way to remove the fruit from the bush as they are sharp and strongly attached.
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26 May 09, Kath Ingham (Australia - tropical climate)
This year I have two different types of rosella plants I have always grown the large bush with pointed fruit but this year I have a plant that has round fruit on a smaller bush and it had fruit about about two months before the other plants,I wonder if anyone knows if this is just a throwback or if it is a different ,bush, the leaves on this bush are much larger than the leaves on the other bushes
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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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