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

31 Aug 11, Lachlan Gordon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Simone, I would love it if you could send me some Rossella seeds. My father loves the Rosella jam and we have to go around various markets to look for the home made stuff. I would love to be able to grow and make my own for him. My email is [email protected] Thank you so much!
01 Sep 11, Robert Shayo (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi my friend, Could you please send to me some hints on how to prepare the rosella jam as your grand mom used to made. Thank you.
12 Aug 11, Lynn Thomson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Simone, I would love some seeds please. I was over your way this time last year and saw the rosellas there. At the time I had no idea that I would be looking for seeds a year leter. My Mother used to grow them and make jam and she passed away in May and as a tribute to her I plan to grow rosellas on my property so I can think of her and remember the times we spent growing the plants, picking the fruit, separating the seed pod and eating the reward at the end. Thanks for the offer.
03 Aug 11, Robyn Rowe (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Simone I live in Kalgoorlie and would love to grow some rosellas like my mother used to for jam. If you would be so kind as to send me some seeds my PO Box number is 10766 Kalgoorlie WA 6433. Would be happy to send you a mystery env of seed packets if you like or pls name your price. Kind regards Robyn
16 Jul 11, Roger Goebel (Australia - tropical climate)
Rosellas can be used for jam, topping, wine, jelly, chutney, paprika substitute ect. All "fruits" /calyx (the red fleshy cone) are used after the yellow flower opens for a day then dies. Full sized "fruits" take a couple of weeks from flowering and get to around 6cm long 10g+. smallest fruit about 4cm and 5g. Don't let seed capsule dry out. Most recipes require the "flower" to be separated from the seed capsule, can do this with a tool made from a push bike pump handle with 6cm of steel tube. I also eat young leaves of rosella bush. Packet seeds are often available from various seed packet producers check online or better for a quick start get plants in punnets from garden shop.I'm a 2nd generation jam maker growing rosellas sincef cub gardeners badge in early 60's.
28 Mar 23, Fay (Australia - tropical climate)
I have a rosella bush I bought , it's about 6ft tall but has not produced any fruit can you tell me why
22 Mar 21, Josie Lamattina (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have over 100 plants just wondering if anyone knows where I could sell the fruit ?
22 Mar 21, Josie Lamattina (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi I have rosella fruit just wondering when are they ready to pick? Mine are not all red they have green as well are they still ok to use ?
04 Jul 20, Colleen (Australia - tropical climate)
My mum has rosella bushes and they have been fully loaded with fruit and before the fruit is ready the bushes are just dying. This is also happening to her neighbour . All her vegetables and roses and gerbera are not having a problem. Any suggestions??
07 Apr 20, Brenden (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I’m in Perth and my plants have been growing nicely till few weeks ago the leaves are starting to go lighter / yellow and brown on the worst on the out skirts of the leave. Any ideas why
Showing 251 - 260 of 412 comments

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