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 USA - Zone 5a regions

  • 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

13 May 10, Lisa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I would like to preserve the rosella flowers for a friend, like they do commercially for the bottom of your champagne glass. Can anyone help?
23 May 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Lisa, I've never seen the flowers like this - are they dried out or soft enough to eat when you've finished your champagne?
24 May 10, Meredith (Australia - temperate climate)
They're usually preserved in syrup, so they're a bit chewy at the end of the champagne but quite edible.
10 May 10, carol (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
To dry the rosellas, separate the seed and dry the red calyx in an electric dehydrator. Use the dried flesh for a lovely cup of tea, adding sugar if desired. I made some teabags from dressmakers light interfacing, from the drapers, adding a cotton thread tag.
09 May 10, Desley Corbet (Australia - tropical climate)
I usually plant seedlings in Sept/Oct. This year we had several weeks of continuous rain and although the plants grew I have not got much fruit from them to date. Now they are flowering but tend to be wilting from the top and will probably die. Can anyone give me a tip to correct the problem
07 May 10, Sue (Australia - temperate climate)
how do you get the seed out of the rosella fruit. When can you purchase a seed podder for them.
08 Jun 10, Manuela (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Sue, Use an apple corer, it works really well. Push it through from the bottom up. Good luck, it makes beautiful jam and cordial.
02 May 10, Joy G (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have a Rosella Bush growing and at present it is about 1.5mtr high and about the same in width, this is my first experience of growing one. It is absolutely covered in fruit, however I am not sure on how big they will grow before I am able to pick them. Could someone please advise me on this? thank you
08 Jun 10, Manuela (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Joy, They can be harvested at any time, once the calyx has firmed. Some grow up to the size of a walnut, others hazelnut. And remove the seed with an apple corer, it's quite easy that way.
01 May 10, liz hird (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I've grown some rosellas & they've flowered but would like to make rosella tea, needing ideas on drying successfully if anyone can help
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