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
S             S S S S S
T T T           T T T T
P P             P P P P

(Best months for growing Rosella in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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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13 Feb 14, Veronica (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
Hi - Are you still in Spain and did you ever get any seeds? Let me know as I have some from Africa. I can spare you a few.
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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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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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