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
03 Jun 19, Shea (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Treat it as an annual for best results
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18 Sep 10, Sandra Watt (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Do they self pollinate?
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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.
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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
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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.
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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?
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30 Jun 10, Natalie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
greenharvest sells the seeds online.
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27 Jun 10, Graham Horrocks (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
After fruiting is over, do i cut bush back or remove all together.
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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
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12 Jun 10, philomene bell (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
planted 3 rosella bushes about 4 weeks ago and the y are starting bare fruit how do i know when they are ready to pick
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I would like a recipe for Rosella Wine. Can anyone assist please.

- Greg Wheeldon

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