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

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01 Sep 10, Dorothy Spofford (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Growing up in Qld my Mum always made Rozella jam.While visiting the Botanical garden in Norfolk Va this summer I noticed a large thriving crop of Rozella. Where can I get the seeds to try and grow in Williamsburg.Va.
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01 Sep 10, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The online catalogue of www.nicholsgardennursery.com lists roselle.
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Rosellas love the sandy soil of the Sunshine Coast. Given a drink when it's hot and fed slow release fertilizer the bush will produce an abundance of fruit. After taking the advice of Annette McFarlane on ABC radio, the rosella pods were harvested every few days and froze in packets until enough fruit was collected for Nan to make delicious pots of jam. Sharing the bush with one or two small grasshoppers wasn't a problem as the flowers bloomed in abundance in full sunshine. The jam is a treat!

- Pamela Faye

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