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

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
07 Feb 13, Salli Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Jennifer I hope you saved some seed, 'cause that is the best way to grow them. The rosella bushes are annuals and will die.
06 May 12, Pat Wallace (Australia - temperate climate)
We remember the taste of Rosella jam from 30 years ago when we lived near Lismore, NSW. I picked up 2 plants from a market on the coast but am trying to grow them near Tamworth, frost country. At present they are still in pots on the verandah & surviving with a few beautiful, red "flowers". I want to seed save from them. Any hints would be very welcome.
14 Jun 12, Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I found saving seed is easiest by removing the outer calyx and putting the pods in a dry warm spot to open.
Showing 201 - 210 of 409 comments

I would like a recipe for Rosella Wine. Can anyone assist please.

- Greg Wheeldon

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