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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
27 Apr 14, Sangita (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello, I'm not much into making jams, but am always looking for various different plants to increase the nutritional value and variety in my cooking. Mary Williams, mentioned using Rosella buds in a curry. I'm just wondering where else Rosella can be used, apart from jams and jellies? Thanks..
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Apr 14, Kevin Campbell (Australia - tropical climate)
I make and sell Rosella products at local markets. As a requirement of the food standards of Australia/New Zealand, I have to include the nutritional values of Rosella 'fruit'. I have not been able to find this list anywhere. Can anyone help, please? (Before I pull ALL of my hair out) This is what is required as follows; Energy: kJ Protein: g Total fat: g Saturated fat: g Carbohydrate: g Sugars: g Sodium: mg
Reply or Post a new comment
20 May 14, Richard (Australia - temperate climate)
Try the USDA (US Dept of Ag) or FDA (US food & drug admin). I recall reading a PDF doc from them a few years back that listed all that info for various foods. It had caloric, fat, protein & mineral composition of a large number of food items. Rosella (or US name equivalent) may be amongst them.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Apr 14, May Williams (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I buy some rosella buds if you could sell it as I like cooking rosella buds as my traditional curry. May
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Apr 14, Richard (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Melbourne and am growing Rosellas for the first time . My plants are now around 1 1/2 metres high and fruiting really well. A month ago I put my 5 plants in a small greenhouse and water them with warm water to keep the soil a little warmer and they seem to be quite happy. I have learnt a lot and look forward to a much better result next season. A childhood treat to be relived in my 60's.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Jan 16, Timothy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Richard, I'm looking for this plant, would you be able let me know where can I get them. I live in Melbourne as well. Must appreciated and thank you. Timothy.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Mar 14, Wendy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Rosella fruit are crimson / burgundy in colour and are ready to pick about 3 weeks after the flower falls off.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Mar 14, Margaret Williams (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What colour should the Rosella Berries be when ready for harvest?
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Mar 14, ALEX LOSEW (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
how to grow rosella in a black soil environment and the best position I live in Kingsthorpe qld
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Feb 14, John Campbell (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
This year our plants are not fruiting very well. We planted in November. Friends are having the same trouble. Also fruit has green stripes on them and quite a few centre seeds have been brown and dried up. Does anyone know the cause? We live near Brisbane QLD
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 201 - 210 of 472 comments
See comments for all plants

Hi There I moved to Bellingen 3 years ago and have been growing Rosella every year since arriving. I first tried growing them in tyres and they were great. Trying pots this year. I bought 10 seedlings that were about 5inches high from the local market. I got 10 x 42 litre rubber tubs with handles ( those colorful ones ). I drilled 12 holes in the bottom of each and 6 around the lower outside about two inches up from the bottom. Put some broken pots or stones at the bottom for drainage and fill with nice soil, compost, manure, lime and anything else that would give the plants a great start, but i waited about a month before transplanting the rosellas as i wanted to make sure everything blended together nicely. These little trees are now growing nicely and because of the handles I can move them around if I need to. 1) Don't drown them....They don't like wet feet but don't let them dry out either and cover them with mulch. 2) They love sun but will survive in filtered light. 3) The plant will grow about 5/6ft tall and Fruit will start to appear as it's maturing. 4) The best time to pick the fruit is when it's about 5 or 6cm long 5) Use scissors and don't cut too close to the branch.....cut at the bottom of the fruit and leave the little stem on the tree. By doing this you just might get another lot of fruit before the trees dies off. Yes it will die after fruiting and you will have to plant new trees next year. By the way, the flower develops first but will only be in bloom for one day. It resembles the hybiscus flower and the fruit will take about 3 weeks to develop after the flower blooms. When they're ready I pick a few of them every day and I store them in freezer bags until I have enough for Jam. Take the pod from the petals and freeze them in separate bags. Well worth growing and If you need to know more let me know Good luck Wendy

- Wendy McGregor

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.