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

29 May 18, Mike Logan (Australia - temperate climate)
Small ones could have been dwarf rosella. I have snow peas growing one grows 4' high the other doesn't start flowering until it is 4-5' high and grows 8"+ high.
31 Mar 18, Poppy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I planted a Rosella suckling 6wks ago. The past few weeks a fungus had started due to the wet weather. I got that under control, I thought. I just noticed the new leaves are getting eaten on the tips and some of the leaves have "brownish orange scales" on the underside. I couldn't locate a caterpillar. Might it be a cutting insect? Help! it has been doing really well in the well prepared soil and drainage. Location outside of Bundaberg.
04 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live near Bundy but travelling at the moment. Look up the internet for the symptoms. Try a bit of shade cloth or similar to protect it from eating insects for awhile. Or put a plastic bottle over it (with top open) with some oil or grease on the out side of it to stop bugs climbing up into it.
19 Mar 18, kevin (Australia - temperate climate)
I cut back on watering and since them they have we have had a great crop
16 Mar 18, Vicky (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am on the Sunshine Coast in Qld and have the same problem. My rosellas look fantastic, thick and lush, have had heaps of hot weather, heaps of rain and I prepaired the beds with horse manure, potash and a bit of blood and bone before planting. No fruit yet and it is now March. Maybe I put too much nutrient in. So looking forward to making jam!
19 Jul 18, Brett (Australia - temperate climate)
If you try them again this year, cut back on the fertilizer. Rosella's don't need much if any fertilizer & can grow excessive foliage instead of flowering if there is too much. Well aerated soil that dries out occasionally seems to keep them happy, if you must, just a little seasol & charlie carp when small. Horse manure always needs to be well composted before using on your garden, unlike cow manure. Horse manure strips nitrogen from the soil whilst breaking down. Mix 2 cups of urea per wheel barrow of horse manure to speed up composting.
18 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You are probably right - too rich a soil and plenty of water and heat. Manure potash and B&B don't have a real lot of N unless you put heaps on. Back off the watering if possible. If possible plant some leafy crop close by to take some N out of the soil.
17 Feb 18, Mem (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Same problem with our rosellas. We're on Blackall Range Qld. Last year they flowered when they were tiny.
14 Feb 18, Teresa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi ,I love my Rosella Jam but find I have a lot of trouble with Ants on the plants , sometimes the trees are black with them , I hear vinegar is good is that true , Regards Teresa
16 Feb 18, Mike (Australia - tropical climate)
A product called Fortune 500. Check out the product label to see if it can be used near vegies etc. Maybe around the edge of the garden bed.
Showing 81 - 90 of 412 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Rosella

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.