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

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29 Mar 10, Auntie 6 (Australia - temperate climate)
I find that Rosellas do better if water less. Since we got so much water this year, my rosellas don't fruit until just now. But last year this time, I have already harvested the second crop already. Anyone interested in swaping seeds?
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24 Mar 10, Arnie Langstone (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
how long does the rosella bushes take to fruit planted mine around november they are over 6 feet high still no flowers , can you help ?
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01 May 10, john bartholomew (Australia - tropical climate)
I usually plant in october/november and finish harvesting about now - end of april, this year the plants have grown taller than before and the first flower appeared yesterday so do not abandon all hope. bart
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20 Mar 10, Jenny (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can anybody help. I planted my rosellas before Christmas and to date still no flowers
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13 Mar 10, evelyn (Australia - temperate climate)
greenpatch (NSW)sell rosella seeds,also shipards herb farm (QLD/NAMBOUR)sell rosella plants/hibiscus Sabdariffa, check google for website
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03 Aug 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Sheila I notice you have Rosella seeds for sale. Yes? I’d love to buy a few if you do. Thanks Merilyn
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16 Jun 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I would love to buy rosella leaves for cooking. Please let me know if you can help me. Thankyou kindly. Shanna [email protected]
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13 Mar 10, Yvonne Davis (Australia - temperate climate)
I recently tasted a non alcoholic drink called Bissap (Aftican) and it was most refreshing, further research discovered that the 'African flower' this drink is made from is the Rosella flower. I was most excited about this as I have grown two plants of Rosella last year, made jam and the plants died. I am really keen to purchase more plants or obtain seeds and propagation instructions.
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02 Mar 10, Trev Judd (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi there, I live in Ipswich, Qld and would like to know where I can buy some plants. It's early March. Is the season too late? Regards, Trev
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28 Apr 10, Dale (Australia - temperate climate)
Trev Judd of ipswich. Trev i live in ipswich and have rosellas growing bit early for seed but you are welcome to some when available.
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Showing 361 - 370 of 472 comments
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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

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