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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08 Oct 21, Brin & Christine (New Zealand - temperate climate)
We grow the Rosella bush here in south east Queensland, they make delicious tart jam. Can be mixed with Mango for an interesting blend. I have a half jar left before we return to NZ in Jan 2022. I hope to find someone with a heated glasshouse in Christchurch to grow some from seed. cheers
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06 Jun 21, Greg McFarlane (Australia - tropical climate)
Rosella plant is looking healthy & producing fruit, but some of the upper branches go brown & leaves & fruit wither. Looks like you bleach the colour out of branch. Located Mackay Should I put copper oxychloride at ground level or another solution
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26 May 21, Joanne L Hilder (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My Rosella bushes are currently very productive and making lots of jam. However i am not sure what to do when the fruit is flowers are finished. Do I prune or pull up and start again in Sept/Oct with new seedings? I live is suburban Brisbane. I would love some advice from experienced growers.
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06 May 21, Rosaleen (Australia - tropical climate)
Bugs are eating my rosella bush. What natural spray could I use? Thank you
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10 May 21, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
look up the internet, usually a chilli garlic mix soap mix.
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29 Mar 21, Manfred Widmer (Australia - tropical climate)
My Rosella Plants growing very good, I had the first harvest after about 3 months. Now since 2 months there is no sign of new flowers. What Fertilizer should I use?
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30 Mar 21, (Australia - temperate climate)
Any general fertiliser will do.
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17 Mar 21, Anita (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Wonderful rain and more to come however - will my plot of rosellas that are ready to harvest survive this comfortably? I usually have a dry growing season being west of Ipswich. We have customers for the fresh fruit so I am getting a bit nervous about the fruit until we start picking soon. Thankyou
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18 Mar 21, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The dangers of growing a lot of vegies this time of the year is the weather. If you do, then you run the risk of the weather ruining or damaging your crop. 4-5-6 inches of rain in an hour or so can make a mess real quick. That is why I don't start planting until this month. A quick downpour maybe ok, but prolong wet weather could lead to disease, fungus and insects (grubs). Keep a close eye on them. It is your call when to pick.
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08 Mar 21, Bruce Ray (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have just purchased a mature rosella plant .. It already has fruit. I understand soil conditions needed but am not sure of sunshine requirements. live in NNSW 60 km from the coast. Like your site! Thank you in advance
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Showing 11 - 20 of 412 comments
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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

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