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 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

Your comments and tips

10 Mar 13, Valerie Minniss (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Trying to find a cure for my rosella plants wilting - we have had very very wet and humid weather, so put it down to that and have been trimming back the wilted leaves and cultivating around the roots to aerate them, seems one plant has new shoots. Or could it be nematodes - don't understand much about them - then again the scrub-turkey and quail scratching around them could have exposed the roots ??? Any advice welcome. Cannot seem to find anything helpful in the myriad of books and web-sites I have been scouring over the last week.
02 Mar 20, Stephen Young (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
The wilting may be due to a fungal infection in the soil. The fungus enters the roots and into the plants stems then into the leaves. The wilting is a sign of stress. There are several causes of stress such as too much water or not enough, and poorly drained or compacted soil. You need to tackle the problem as soon as the wilting starts. If the plant is in full sun then the heat places the fungi infected plant under more stress. Place some shade over the plant such as an old umbrella for a start or, if possible, remove the plant and place it into the shade. Pick off the yellow leaves so that the plant does not waste energy in causing them to drop off. Leave the green wilting leaves alone. Treat the plant with an appropriate fungicide. If you leave the plant in the ground you might consider using worm casting. You could call a garden club that has hibiscus enthusiasts to seek advice.
21 Mar 13, Pete (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
One thing I have found about growing Rosella fruit is that the bushes need to be in very well draining soil - otherwise you will get wilting/rotting. We have a very sandy soil type and our plants just love it.
09 Dec 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I use the red petals to make a drink it is just lovely. Pour hot water over. Leave overnight ,strain, then add sugar to taste,three cloves optional Devine in hot weather Bottle and store in refrigerator
30 Nov 12, Esther (Australia - temperate climate)
I had never heard of this plant !! Would love to buy some seeds and give it a go! Esther
24 Nov 12, Rosina (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I first came across Rosella growing in an organic herb garden in Bali and bought a packet of dried flowers to use as a tea.
26 Nov 12, orgasmictomato (Australia - temperate climate)
....... and of course you declared them at customs on the way home........ then you would be not using them for tea.... Jim
08 May 12, lyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Do I have to replant new bushes when they finish flowering each year?
07 Feb 13, Salli Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes, plant new rosella bushes because they will die off like an annual and not regrow.
07 May 12, jennifer (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
we have moved to warwick and there is 2 rosella bushes in our back yard around 1 met high i have picked fruit and made jam.my question is do i have to prune the bush and if so when.also how offten does it produce fruit any hints are welcomed thankyou
Showing 201 - 210 of 412 comments

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