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

23 Mar 12, Suzette (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have planted some rosella bushes and they have grown wonderfully, but when do they start to bear fruit. I live in Brisbane
08 Mar 12, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have had two lots of Rosella seedlings from Big W which have not produced flowers.I have never had this trouble before and would like some hints of what I may be doing wrong.Thank you
21 Mar 12, Lynn T Gladstone (Australia - temperate climate)
I have 30 plants that I started in October. I have just harvested about 50 rosellas and made 5 jars of jam. My soil is not that great but since giving the plants a good feed they have perked up. They do not like wet feet. I have lost 1 plant due to my accidentally disturbing its roots. I have thousands of little holes in the leaves which I think are grasshopper nibblings. I have noticed some grubs in the last 2 days and have 1to identify. It has yellow stripes longways and black dots side by side across its length with white hairs. Does anyone know what they are?
15 Feb 12, Gwenne (Australia - temperate climate)
Rosella bushes in since November 2011 healthy but not flowering
19 Mar 12, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Same here - in fact we have lost a few really healthy Rosella bushes - think it was the excessive rain - the trunk of the plants went black
14 Jan 12, Heather (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How do I make my Rosella Bush flower and fruit. I have had it fo4 6 months now, it's about 4 foot tall and looks very healthy but no flowers or fruit. Help!
12 Jan 12, sarah (Australia - temperate climate)
the leaves are ediable, made into a jam /pickle aswell,very yummy..... lots are grown in south africa too.
30 Dec 11, margaret mellor (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi there, we have just been initiated into the art of growing the wonderful Rosella plant as my hubby was presented with one for Christmas. We have limited space but would like to know what postion in sun or shade or semi shade it favours. we don't want to kill it. it is about 3 ft tall in a pot and its little leaves are curling up already. Any hints much appreciated.
29 Dec 11, Lynelda Wilson (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Simone, If you still have Rosella seeds I would appreciate some please. You can contact me on my Email address. I have been trying to buy some but have not been successful. Thanks Lynelda
26 Dec 11, Lynelda Wilson (Australia - temperate climate)
Want to but seeds to plant so I can make rosella jam
Showing 221 - 230 of 412 comments

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