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
S             S S S S S
T T T           T T T T
P P             P P P P

(Best months for growing Rosella in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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

07 Feb 13, Salli Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Jennifer I hope you saved some seed, 'cause that is the best way to grow them. The rosella bushes are annuals and will die.
06 May 12, Pat Wallace (Australia - temperate climate)
We remember the taste of Rosella jam from 30 years ago when we lived near Lismore, NSW. I picked up 2 plants from a market on the coast but am trying to grow them near Tamworth, frost country. At present they are still in pots on the verandah & surviving with a few beautiful, red "flowers". I want to seed save from them. Any hints would be very welcome.
14 Jun 12, Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I found saving seed is easiest by removing the outer calyx and putting the pods in a dry warm spot to open.
30 Apr 12, blanckensee (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
First timw growers 10 bushers for Jam We have small fruit but flowers also. What is the story about to do with flowers. Don
29 Apr 12, grant schirmer (Australia - arid climate)
please can someone tell what to spray my rosella plants with as they r being eaten by insects and have white aphids all on then . these plants r in flower. many thanks.
20 Apr 12, Janine (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can someone please tell when to pick my rosellas, Ive relocatd from WA and have no idea, but want to either make wine or jelly.....or anything really....
01 Apr 12, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi , Wanting to know how to preserve rosella flowers for decoration in italian wine treat? Thanks.
31 Mar 12, Robert Maxwell (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are the buds picked before or afteer flowering?
14 May 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
If you look at the comments for Rosella in April 2008, there is one which answers your question in detail.
27 Mar 12, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have a rosella bush only been in a month or so doing fabulously and now i have fruit when do i pick the fruit is it just when they are large. The shrub has thrived and i am in brisbane
Showing 211 - 220 of 412 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Rosella

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.