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

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12 Feb 18, Mike (Australia - tropical climate)
The info here says plant Oct to Dec and it takes 21-25 weeks - so you have planted out of season maybe. Maybe you used too much fertiliser. Plants will go to seed or fruit when the nutrient has been used up or when the season is right. Most vegies are seasonal to each climate zone.
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21 Jan 18, Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
If hey get too wet they can die suddenly. I've just had a couple die off quickly.
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15 Jan 18, kevin (Australia - temperate climate)
My rosella plants don't seem to be fruiting is there something wrong or is it to early for them to fruit
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21 Jan 18, Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm having having the same trouble. They would have normally flowered by now. The plants are looking healthy, just no flowers. Have you managed to find anything else out as to why? I'm also in Brisbane.
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17 Jan 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Do some research on the internet about it.
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16 Dec 17, Bernadette (Australia - temperate climate)
My rosella seems to be dying, do they die off and come back later or just die or is it just asleep. I live at Fitzgibbon Brisbane, thank you
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19 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It's an annual so it may have just died. Google and read about growing it.
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08 Dec 17, Sue (Australia - tropical climate)
My rosella bush leaves are being eaton by something I can't see anything on them but it is leaving small holes in them. What is a safe spray to use on the rosella bushes.
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01 Jan 18, Tanya (Australia - temperate climate)
I use a neem oil spray on my bush. That's non harmful to the beneficial insects and only harms the things which eat the leaves.
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15 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look up an organic spray.
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The first year I planted Rosella plants , that was three years ago The plants took a long time to flower and fruit These plants grew approximately 3.5 meters tall They did fruit ok though These were fertilised only with Searls Dianamiclifter pellets These plants were given to me by a friend . Last year I purchased seeds from CRT at Gordonvale These seeds shot in the pots in three days in good potting mix , they were planted out in about 3 weeks This time I mixed into the soil Sulfate of Potash as well as Dianamiclifter pellets And plenty of water The plants started flowering when 100mm 4 inches high and never stopped This year the same thing I think a lot depends on the Type of seeds and area you are in. Good Luck

- Graham Donnelly

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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.
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