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

24 Mar 11, Monique Harler (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi, How do I know when to pick my Rosellas?
20 Mar 11, Housefairy (Australia - temperate climate)
I have 3 rosellas bushes about 2 metres tall and very helathy, they have been in about 5 months, but no flowers yet when should they flower and fruit?\
24 Feb 11, Barry Hayes (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Coastal actually. Planting seeds before the ground has warmed up is frustrating. If you buy seeds, try planting early if you are keen. Some will do okay. Others will sit there and laugh at you before shrivelling. Simply plant another seed. In cool climates it is often pot luck, but they will eventually take off. They will survive and fruit well into autumn, especially in areas where there are no frosts. Pick them in flower daily and put them in the fridge until you have enough. Then boil them gently with a bit of sugar and progressively freeze them. At the end of the season thaw them out and make the jam. Patience is a virtue.
10 Feb 11, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My rosellas have red flowers up stem and are healthy bushy plants. Will they get more flowers on the branches? The few up stems would not be worthwhile.
08 Feb 11, Daphne Truloff (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My plants had an early crop when they were approx.70 centimeters, i would like to know if they will produce another crop. They are about 2 meters high now. Thanks Daphne.
08 Jan 11, dino (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My Rosella is not growing well at all, they are in a pot and were grown from seed. they have been in for 6 weeks and are only about 6 inches high. Any tips?
23 Apr 11, Daf (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Rosella fruit is best grow in soil in ur garden. As it can grow to 2 metres its restricted in a pot. Ive got bout 30 plants on the property and have just harvested the first lot of fruits. Its a great annual and this year I will sell most of it dried to make into a delicious drink. Lovely member of the Hibiscus!
12 Aug 11, Lynn Thomson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Barbara, this is a year after your original comment, but if you are still there, amy I please have your cordial recipe. Thanks Lynn T Qld
12 Aug 11, Lynn Thomson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi there Daf, May I please have your recipe for the rosella drink, and any other recipies you may have for them. I am new at the rosella thing and eagerly seek any information. Thanks Lynn T Qld
13 Dec 10, rodney (Australia - arid climate)
does the bush die after fruiting are new seeds inside the fruit .
Showing 271 - 280 of 410 comments

I have rossella growing and in the past have been successfull however the last two times i have tried to grow these they get to a height of say 400mm and they start a dieback with a white sap like liquid coming out of the bottom of the plant eventually killing it.Any help would be much appreciated we live up in the mountains west of Sarina yes we get frosts however the last rossella plants die back in late summer.

- Helga Martin

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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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