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
  • 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

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16 Sep 24, Clive Aucott (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Does Roselle go by other names?
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26 Sep 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They generally give other names in the heading. Jam Plant.
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24 Nov 24, Maree (Australia - tropical climate)
Rosella is a shrub that is prolific in tropical gardens in Australia. The red flowers are usually used in making jam but I think you could make a nice cordial out of it. But you need a lot of flowers.
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23 Mar 24, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
What other plants can you grow with this plant to maximise the ground space.
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25 Mar 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They need their space and nutrient from that space to produce a good crop.
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18 Oct 23, Anne (Australia - tropical climate)
Can I freeze the raw fruit until I have enough to be able to make jam.
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19 Oct 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
yes
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10 Feb 23, Noelene Mayfield and Gordon Mayfield (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What would be eating my rosella bushes also ants on the trees. Should i fertilizer with what Thanks Noelene
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13 Feb 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Summer brings rain - rain brings insects and grubs. Look on the leaves at night time and pinch off. Use some chemical sprays or organic mix. Any general fertiliser.
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28 Oct 22, Sheryn Verner (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Do I cut back my rosella plant after fruiting.? Mine seems to be dying, not a single leaf on it.
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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.
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