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
24 Mar 10, Arnie Langstone (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
how long does the rosella bushes take to fruit planted mine around november they are over 6 feet high still no flowers , can you help ?
Reply or Post a new comment
01 May 10, john bartholomew (Australia - tropical climate)
I usually plant in october/november and finish harvesting about now - end of april, this year the plants have grown taller than before and the first flower appeared yesterday so do not abandon all hope. bart
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Mar 10, Jenny (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can anybody help. I planted my rosellas before Christmas and to date still no flowers
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Mar 10, evelyn (Australia - temperate climate)
greenpatch (NSW)sell rosella seeds,also shipards herb farm (QLD/NAMBOUR)sell rosella plants/hibiscus Sabdariffa, check google for website
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Aug 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Sheila I notice you have Rosella seeds for sale. Yes? I’d love to buy a few if you do. Thanks Merilyn
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Jun 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I would love to buy rosella leaves for cooking. Please let me know if you can help me. Thankyou kindly. Shanna [email protected]
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Mar 10, Yvonne Davis (Australia - temperate climate)
I recently tasted a non alcoholic drink called Bissap (Aftican) and it was most refreshing, further research discovered that the 'African flower' this drink is made from is the Rosella flower. I was most excited about this as I have grown two plants of Rosella last year, made jam and the plants died. I am really keen to purchase more plants or obtain seeds and propagation instructions.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Mar 10, Trev Judd (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi there, I live in Ipswich, Qld and would like to know where I can buy some plants. It's early March. Is the season too late? Regards, Trev
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Apr 10, Dale (Australia - temperate climate)
Trev Judd of ipswich. Trev i live in ipswich and have rosellas growing bit early for seed but you are welcome to some when available.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Jun 10, helen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Dale, Do they grow very tall? I don't want a plant that gives too much shade to an already small garden. Maybe I could train it onto a trellis? Or prune reguarly..? I would b interested in some seeds too. Perhaps I can sned some stamps?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 311 - 320 of 410 comments
See comments for all plants

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

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.