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

22 Mar 17, kerry (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the best way to collect seeds
08 Mar 17, Steve (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Im looking to grow a large crop of rosellas . the land Im looking at is next to the Houghton river NQ & it floods from time to time. How do you think they go ? some plants recover , this area drains quickly but great soil & 100 megs of allocation .
09 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Your question is beyond the scope of this site. I have contacted the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and they said for you to get in touch with Sarah Lempus on (07) 4797 9725 or Sue Heisswolf on (07) 4797 9744. They are based in Bowen and should be able to help you. All the best with your venture.
22 Jan 17, Lana (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello I am hoping to find someone to make Rosella jam. That I can sell along with my own jams in WA. I get asked for it constantly. Would need to have a registered kitchen. Thanks Lana
01 Sep 16, Melissa (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in Darwin. I just threw out a lot of seeds into the bare paddock in Oct and let them grow naturally. After the monsoons best crop!
27 Aug 16, Alan Broughton (Australia - temperate climate)
I have saved seeds from last years Rosella's plants. What is the best time to sow the seeds for this years planting. Have some in seed mix at the moment, but nothing happening after two weeks.I think it may be still to cold yet. Am at Port Stephens on the coast nsw. For what it's worth, I mix manderine and orange pulp with my rosella jam. Feed back is very positive for taste and appearance. Delicious jam.
02 Sep 16, Michele Mann (Australia - temperate climate)
I had lime peel and half a lime to mine I'm really happy with the flavours I'll have to give yours ago
14 Aug 16, Chrostopher White (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi I am wanting to plant out my Rosella seedlings in a few weeks and need to know the ph of the soil. The plants in the garden are growing well so have a good level of fertility. This day the ph was 7 being neutral, thanks.
18 Jul 16, Luke (Australia - temperate climate)
Every year I get my Rosella plants online from plantanative.com.au. They have them available around Sept. You can even email them and be on their waiting list too. Great quality plants and price
28 Jun 16, Emily Chu (Australia - temperate climate)
The Rosella trees grow very well. However the flower buds very tiny and fallen off after a while. Why is it so?
Showing 111 - 120 of 411 comments

Would love your recipe for Rhubarb and rosella wine have tree out back!

- sue ware

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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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