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
13 Dec 10, rodney (Australia - arid climate)
does the bush die after fruiting are new seeds inside the fruit .
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Jun 19, Shea (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Treat it as an annual for best results
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Sep 10, Sandra Watt (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Do they self pollinate?
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Sep 10, Barb (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Dorothy, You can buy Rosella seed online from Green Harvest in Australia. Maybe there is a US online source too.
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Aug 10, Beth Tozer (Australia - temperate climate)
In the late 60s and early 70s we grew Rosellas at the "Log Cabin" in Glasshouse Mountains. Made heaps of jam and it was very well received. Do you think I could grow them here in Paynesville, East Gippsland Vic. (flowering hibiscus grow well in my garden). If so where is best place to buy seed and time to plant. Thanks, Beth
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Jul 10, Maggie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Used to grow well on flood plain in Tweed Valley when I was a kid - black peaty soils. Grandma made the jam, hence my search for the topic - yum, love that slight tangy bite to the flavour.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Jul 10, marlene (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How much fruit do you normally get from one bush. Can they handle Bris/Sunshine weather in summer. What kind fo soil do they prefer?
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Jun 10, Natalie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
greenharvest sells the seeds online.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Jun 10, Graham Horrocks (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
After fruiting is over, do i cut bush back or remove all together.
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Jun 10, Anne meguyer (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in a coastal belt at Port Stephens. Where can I obtain plants to grow same? I grew up in Qld so recall them being grown there. No one round here seems to know of them. Thank You. Anne
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 281 - 290 of 411 comments
See comments for all plants

I live in Bribane and cannot get (rosella) seed. Where can I buy seed.

- rod Macdonald

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.