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
21 Nov 14, Firoza (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Jackie. If you still have some Rosella seeds can I please have some. Like your generosity. my email- firozajeevaji (at) yahoo.com
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Oct 14, Genny Budas (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I have just ordered some rosella seeds on ebay. what is the best time to plant them. I live in Northam WA
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Oct 14, Chrisbella (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
hi Genny, I searched eBay / seed banks to buy Roselle seed but most of suppliers request quarantine extra fee to applied if posting to WA. I just wonder how do u get the eBay supplier to send them to u. Regards Chrisbella
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Sep 14, Kerrie Elmerr (Australia - tropical climate)
We put our rosellas in July when do we harvest. We live in Darwin
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Sep 14, Lorraine Weaver (Australia - tropical climate)
Do you fertilize the plants and if so what type of fertilizer do you use eg. 13-5-22 ) ? Thank you.
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Aug 14, Noela Kang (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I would love to start growing rosellas myself as I love the jam and the tea. Could someone please let know how and where to get seeds/plants from. I live in Toowoomba, Queensland
Reply or Post a new comment
15 May 17, Maree Pennells (Australia - temperate climate)
Hey Noela, I live at Athol (half-way to Pittsworth) and I purchased my seedlings from Bunnings in Toowoomba. They are still going well. I have memories of my Grandmother growing rosella plants in her back yard for years, her yard backed onto Gold Park, and she didn't do anything special for them, so have a look at any of the garden shops here and good luck
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Nov 14, David (Australia - temperate climate)
I've just bought 2 rosellas from a lovely lady at Nobby, 20 minutes south of toowoomba.. Names Cecelia roadside garden with lots of plants to sell.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Oct 14, Jackie Payne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have seed happy to share. Email your address and I will post to you. Regards, JP
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Dec 14, Brandon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Jackie, Thanks for your generosity. I was wondering you have Roselle seed to share? My email [email protected]
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 161 - 170 of 412 comments
See comments for all plants

Hi There I moved to Bellingen 3 years ago and have been growing Rosella every year since arriving. I first tried growing them in tyres and they were great. Trying pots this year. I bought 10 seedlings that were about 5inches high from the local market. I got 10 x 42 litre rubber tubs with handles ( those colorful ones ). I drilled 12 holes in the bottom of each and 6 around the lower outside about two inches up from the bottom. Put some broken pots or stones at the bottom for drainage and fill with nice soil, compost, manure, lime and anything else that would give the plants a great start, but i waited about a month before transplanting the rosellas as i wanted to make sure everything blended together nicely. These little trees are now growing nicely and because of the handles I can move them around if I need to. 1) Don't drown them....They don't like wet feet but don't let them dry out either and cover them with mulch. 2) They love sun but will survive in filtered light. 3) The plant will grow about 5/6ft tall and Fruit will start to appear as it's maturing. 4) The best time to pick the fruit is when it's about 5 or 6cm long 5) Use scissors and don't cut too close to the branch.....cut at the bottom of the fruit and leave the little stem on the tree. By doing this you just might get another lot of fruit before the trees dies off. Yes it will die after fruiting and you will have to plant new trees next year. By the way, the flower develops first but will only be in bloom for one day. It resembles the hybiscus flower and the fruit will take about 3 weeks to develop after the flower blooms. When they're ready I pick a few of them every day and I store them in freezer bags until I have enough for Jam. Take the pod from the petals and freeze them in separate bags. Well worth growing and If you need to know more let me know Good luck Wendy

- Wendy McGregor

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.