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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29 May 18, Mike Logan (Australia - temperate climate)
Small ones could have been dwarf rosella. I have snow peas growing one grows 4' high the other doesn't start flowering until it is 4-5' high and grows 8"+ high.
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31 Mar 18, Poppy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I planted a Rosella suckling 6wks ago. The past few weeks a fungus had started due to the wet weather. I got that under control, I thought. I just noticed the new leaves are getting eaten on the tips and some of the leaves have "brownish orange scales" on the underside. I couldn't locate a caterpillar. Might it be a cutting insect? Help! it has been doing really well in the well prepared soil and drainage. Location outside of Bundaberg.
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04 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live near Bundy but travelling at the moment. Look up the internet for the symptoms. Try a bit of shade cloth or similar to protect it from eating insects for awhile. Or put a plastic bottle over it (with top open) with some oil or grease on the out side of it to stop bugs climbing up into it.
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19 Mar 18, kevin (Australia - temperate climate)
I cut back on watering and since them they have we have had a great crop
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16 Mar 18, Vicky (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am on the Sunshine Coast in Qld and have the same problem. My rosellas look fantastic, thick and lush, have had heaps of hot weather, heaps of rain and I prepaired the beds with horse manure, potash and a bit of blood and bone before planting. No fruit yet and it is now March. Maybe I put too much nutrient in. So looking forward to making jam!
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19 Jul 18, Brett (Australia - temperate climate)
If you try them again this year, cut back on the fertilizer. Rosella's don't need much if any fertilizer & can grow excessive foliage instead of flowering if there is too much. Well aerated soil that dries out occasionally seems to keep them happy, if you must, just a little seasol & charlie carp when small. Horse manure always needs to be well composted before using on your garden, unlike cow manure. Horse manure strips nitrogen from the soil whilst breaking down. Mix 2 cups of urea per wheel barrow of horse manure to speed up composting.
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18 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You are probably right - too rich a soil and plenty of water and heat. Manure potash and B&B don't have a real lot of N unless you put heaps on. Back off the watering if possible. If possible plant some leafy crop close by to take some N out of the soil.
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17 Feb 18, Mem (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Same problem with our rosellas. We're on Blackall Range Qld. Last year they flowered when they were tiny.
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14 Feb 18, Teresa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi ,I love my Rosella Jam but find I have a lot of trouble with Ants on the plants , sometimes the trees are black with them , I hear vinegar is good is that true , Regards Teresa
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16 Feb 18, Mike (Australia - tropical climate)
A product called Fortune 500. Check out the product label to see if it can be used near vegies etc. Maybe around the edge of the garden bed.
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Showing 81 - 90 of 412 comments
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The wilting may be due to a fungal infection in the soil. The fungus enters the roots and into the plants stems then into the leaves. The wilting is a sign of stress. There are several causes of stress such as too much water or not enough, and poorly drained or compacted soil. You need to tackle the problem as soon as the wilting starts. If the plant is in full sun then the heat places the fungi infected plant under more stress. Place some shade over the plant such as an old umbrella for a start or, if possible, remove the plant and place it into the shade. Pick off the yellow leaves so that the plant does not waste energy in causing them to drop off. Leave the green wilting leaves alone. Treat the plant with an appropriate fungicide. If you leave the plant in the ground you might consider using worm casting. You could call a garden club that has hibiscus enthusiasts to seek advice.

- Stephen Young

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