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

Not recommended for growing in Australia - temperate regions

October: Miust be started under cover- in mini-greenhouse

  • 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

Your comments and tips

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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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02 Oct 14, Genny Budas (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I have just ordered some rosella seeds on ebay. what is the best time to plant them. I live in Northam WA
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30 Oct 14, Chrisbella (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
hi Genny, I searched eBay / seed banks to buy Roselle seed but most of suppliers request quarantine extra fee to applied if posting to WA. I just wonder how do u get the eBay supplier to send them to u. Regards Chrisbella
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23 Sep 14, Kerrie Elmerr (Australia - tropical climate)
We put our rosellas in July when do we harvest. We live in Darwin
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16 Sep 14, Lorraine Weaver (Australia - tropical climate)
Do you fertilize the plants and if so what type of fertilizer do you use eg. 13-5-22 ) ? Thank you.
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31 Aug 14, Noela Kang (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I would love to start growing rosellas myself as I love the jam and the tea. Could someone please let know how and where to get seeds/plants from. I live in Toowoomba, Queensland
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15 May 17, Maree Pennells (Australia - temperate climate)
Hey Noela, I live at Athol (half-way to Pittsworth) and I purchased my seedlings from Bunnings in Toowoomba. They are still going well. I have memories of my Grandmother growing rosella plants in her back yard for years, her yard backed onto Gold Park, and she didn't do anything special for them, so have a look at any of the garden shops here and good luck
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27 Nov 14, David (Australia - temperate climate)
I've just bought 2 rosellas from a lovely lady at Nobby, 20 minutes south of toowoomba.. Names Cecelia roadside garden with lots of plants to sell.
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18 Oct 14, Jackie Payne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have seed happy to share. Email your address and I will post to you. Regards, JP
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04 Dec 14, Brandon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Jackie, Thanks for your generosity. I was wondering you have Roselle seed to share? My email [email protected]
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Showing 161 - 170 of 412 comments
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We are actually on the south coast of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji. This is a similar latitude to the Whitsundays say half way between Townsville and Cairns but a little less humid as we are on the coast. we grew H.Sabdariffa this year from local seedlings. The flower was yellow and the calyxes only 1.5- 2.5cm and not very fleshy. I believe this version has traditionally been cultivated in Fiji by the Fijian Indians for its young leaf which is a sour spinach used to make chutney. The variety you mention, H.Subdantta looks as though the calyxes is much more fleshy which would suit our end game of producing it as a food source for herbal teas and jams. What color flower does it have? Can you tell me where I can buy seeds from?

- Llew Boddam-Whetham

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