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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
19 May 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
No they have not even flowered or fruited yet?
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02 Mar 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you pull out plants when finished fruiting or can you leave them in for the next season?
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02 May 15, Lilli (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I pull mine out each year when they are past their prime and the seed pods are bursting open.
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25 Feb 15, Rhonda Milliner (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have grown rosellas for the first time. They are about 2400mm high and very wide and producing lots of fruit. I've been making jam and cordial [delicious] as well as giving lots away. I can't believe how well they have done and how easy to grow. .I can pick at least a bucketful a week. Tips: I watered them when young and haven't done anything else since except pick. I use scissors to cut off fruit.
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15 Feb 15, Helen (Australia - temperate climate)
I've got 4 successful seedlings all about 10cm high. I grew them in a strawberry container on the window sill in the kitchen. Soon I'm going to transplant them into pots. I'm hesitant as by June it is winter here, and it gets very very cold, hence my reason for large pots, I'll keep them either inside or under the verandah. Has anyone else got any tips?
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23 Jan 15, Lesley (Australia - tropical climate)
Ok... So I have purchased Rosella seeds and will try to raise. I live in Townsville and wondering if anyone has any tips for me?
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19 Jan 15, mark (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi there, I have tried twice to propergate some different seeds from reputable seedsmen with no success. I have not had this problem before,any ideas? mark
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05 Jun 15, May Richards (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have been told to immerse the seeds in water for half and hour prior to potting. Hope this works.
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02 Jan 15, Liz (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I can't seem to get my rosella seeds to come up. I've tried two lots in seeding trays. Seeds were purchased from an organic growers community here on the Sunshine Coast. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. TIA. :D
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21 Nov 14, Firoza (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Jackie. If you still have some Rosella seeds can I please have some. Like your generosity. my email- firozajeevaji (at) yahoo.com
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Showing 151 - 160 of 411 comments
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I live at Kilcoy QLD (Somerset Council area) & I always plant my Rosella seeds in seed trays 2nd week in August & raise under black plastic.. They germinate pretty quickly this way which allows me to have them high enough to transplant into raised beds before end of September. This way I can usually start harvesting the rosella pods by end of Dec. They keep bearing until the first hint of winter (temperature drop or cool winds) they then turn up their toes & I pull them out..I rest my beds & grow a green manure using cheap canary seed which I trim back with whipper snipper to break down in to the soil.

- Rhonda AFFOO

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