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

09 May 11, Helen (Australia - tropical climate)
Contrary to the culinary advice, use the whole 'fruit' for jam making. Separate the lovely red calyx from the green seed pod. Cover the seed pods with water and boil for 15-20 mins then strain the pods out and use the liquid to start cooking the calyxes (you will probably need to add more water). The pods contain the fruit's pectin supply so the jam will set much better.
08 May 11, Bill (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Where can I buy Roseella seed or Plants?
26 Apr 11, Peter Elliott (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have several rosella plants growing and now starting to flower with a yellow flower and a red base. I am not sure what the fruit looks like, does the fuit form after the flowering and when should it be picked?
11 Apr 11, clive sommer (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I grow rosellas each year Last year Iwas making jam in 6 months This planted the same time they have not even flowed Whit is the the problem
01 Apr 11, Coral Roberts (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
HI! I am a bit confused about when to pick the fruit off my Rosella bush, to make jam, at present I have the red pods and now some of them are getting flowers do I pick them before they flower or after. Thankyou
08 Apr 11, Barbara R (Australia - temperate climate)
Rosellas are best picked after they flower and when the red fruit/pods are large (around 2-3cms in length) but not too old. If they snap off the bush, that indicates that they are not too old and stringy - though if you do have to cut them off, they can still be successfully used for jam and other recipes.
02 Apr 11, (Australia - temperate climate)
I grew Rosellas for jam last year and though I am no expert, I harvested mine after they had flowered. I left some of mine too long and made more work for myself as they go hard after a while, so take them off when the flower petals have died off, not later into autumn.
24 Mar 11, Monique Harler (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi, How do I know when to pick my Rosellas?
20 Mar 11, Housefairy (Australia - temperate climate)
I have 3 rosellas bushes about 2 metres tall and very helathy, they have been in about 5 months, but no flowers yet when should they flower and fruit?\
24 Feb 11, Barry Hayes (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Coastal actually. Planting seeds before the ground has warmed up is frustrating. If you buy seeds, try planting early if you are keen. Some will do okay. Others will sit there and laugh at you before shrivelling. Simply plant another seed. In cool climates it is often pot luck, but they will eventually take off. They will survive and fruit well into autumn, especially in areas where there are no frosts. Pick them in flower daily and put them in the fridge until you have enough. Then boil them gently with a bit of sugar and progressively freeze them. At the end of the season thaw them out and make the jam. Patience is a virtue.
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