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 20°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 140 cm apart
  • Harvest in 21-25 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Feverfew, Coriander, Nasturtium and Hyssop
  • Rosellas on plant
  • Rosella bud
  • Rosella plant

This frost tender annual grows to a height of 2 metres. It is grown for its red fruit which make delicious jam or jelly.

Rosella needs a growing season of at least 6 months warm weather so is best suited to tropical or sub-tropical areas. Can be started under glass in cooler areas. Water well and give a dressing of fertiliser when flowering starts.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Rosella

The large flowers produce a crimson enlarged calyx.
Use the fleshy red calyx, without the green seed pod to make jam or jelly.

Your comments and tips

06 Sep 23, Wendy Paterson (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
If anyone is looking for Roselle/Rosella seed in South Africa go to livingseeds online store.
10 May 22, Glynnis (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I've grown Roselle successfully in Grabouw, W.Cape, SA. Love everything about it!
26 Jul 16, Jenny Haselton (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Just ordered rosella seeds on Bid or Buy but now informed cant supply after paying and waiting 8 weeks. Can anyone help with some seed. I really would appreciate it. We grew it in our garden when I was young so there must be some available.
04 Feb 16, Fyin (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi, where can I get Rossella seeds?
22 Jan 13, Anina van Tonder (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Looking where can I found dried Rosella in South Africa. Suppliers of dried Rosella in South Africa
01 Oct 16, Naison Mundia (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
In zimbabwe , we grow and export a lot of dried rosella
02 Sep 19, David Pringle-Wood (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where in Zimbabwe can I purchase these seeds or seedlings?
22 Jan 13, Anina van Tonder (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Looking where can I found dried Rosella in South Africa
04 Jun 15, Yvette (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Anina, did you find any suppliers in SA? I'm in Mpumalanga looking into growing Rosella. Yvette
24 Mar 17, Pieter (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi Yvette. Could you manage to find seeds for Rosella ? I am also in Mpumalanga and also want to plant some.

Go ebay.

- Mike

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