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
02 Sep 11, Mulondo Yeseri (USA - Zone 5b climate)
I live in Africa, in Uganda East Africa. I need some advice on which month is the best to start roselle planting.
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Dec 11, NAFISA (Australia - arid climate)
hi, mulondo, I am from Africa too, and have been living in Australia the last 28 years. You can safely plant your Rosella seeds now, December and January and it should grow happily for you. Good Luck!! nafisa
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Aug 11, ross (Australia - tropical climate)
which is best month to plant in Mackay Qld
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Aug 11, Myrna (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are Rosellas considered an acid or Alkaline fruit?
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Jan 19, Julie Kraemer (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Dies anyone know if they are acid or alkaline?
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Jul 11, Judith Moore (Australia - temperate climate)
What vitamins and minerals that are in Rosella plant and other beneficial elements?
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Jul 11, Simone (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in Tropical WA (above broome) and the rosellas grow like wildfire-huge busheswith numerous of what I am told are really big flowers, if anyone needs some seeds let me know and if your state will allow them in , I will send you some.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Jan 12, grace couchman (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Simone. I drank rosella tea in Laos and fell in love with it but of course could not bring it home. I would love you to send me some. [email protected]
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Oct 11, Vicki (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi Simone, I live in Cairns and would love to have some seeds if you can send me some. I love rosellas but, for some reason, they don't seems to be popular here. Just about everything grows here though. Many thanks.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Sep 11, (Australia - tropical climate)
YES PLEASE!!!!! PO BOX 544 Toowoomba 4350 i'll actually grow them in Brisbane so would absolutely LOVE some seeds if possible THANKS so MUCH!!!! Celia
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 241 - 250 of 412 comments
See comments for all plants

I was living in an area of B.C. CANADA where winter temperatures got down below minus 35 degrees. Sometimes I could start my Rosellas indoors in big pots in April and by May long weekend could move them outside into a sunny spot. By end of August I could harvest enough fruit for several pots of jam and a few left over for next years seeds. If you're careful one could grow all sorts of them in southern Australia as it is a heck of a lot colder in Canada and the jam is great...you can eat the leaves and stalks if you're into that. It is colder there for sure but sunup is before 4am and sundown is after 10 pm so that extra sunlight helps

- Trevor Manly

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.