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 New Zealand - cool/mountain 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
  • Rosellas on plant
  • Rosella bud
  • Rosella plant

This frost tender annual grows to a height of 2 metres. It is grown for its red fruit which make delicious jam or jelly.

Rosella needs a growing season of at least 6 months warm weather so is best suited to tropical or sub-tropical areas. Can be started under glass in cooler areas. Water well and give a dressing of fertiliser when flowering starts.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Rosella

The large flowers produce a crimson enlarged calyx.
Use the fleshy red calyx, without the green seed pod to make jam or jelly.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
07 Nov 21, Ann Murray (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Where can I get either a couple of seedlings of seeds. How long doo they take long to grow till they produce fruits?
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Nov 21, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Seeds from the internet and read the info here about time to harvest.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Jul 21, Santhi (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi, I'm looking for roselle seed do you know where can i buy in NZ, thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Aug 21, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try online suppliers
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Sep 10, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)
Packets of Rosella seeds are sold in some garden centres in NZ. I found some on a display stand with other Aus seeds.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Sep 10, john (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Trying to find a outlet that sells the seed in New zealand,would would be keen to buy from any one that has aound 100 seeds.of roselle. Thanks John
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Sep 19, Dana (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi John. Couldn't find a date on the post so don't how it is, but if you are still interested in seeds, King Seeds has the seeds for Roselle.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Mar 21, Pav (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi There ,i am looking for the roselle seeds if anyone has it
Reply or Post a new comment
13 May 09, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
This site should answer your questions about harvesting and using rosellas. It sounds delicious. www.greenharvest.com.au/seeds/info_sheet/rosella_jam.html
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Jan 09, YESSE (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I started to grow rosella in DAR ES SALAAM TANZANIA this january, my intension is to do research and making combination with other plant to get new product.
Reply or Post a new comment
See comments for all plants

Hi Bruce, Rod here from Caboolture Qld, about 30klms from coast. From my experience and not sure what you refer to as a mature plant. Rosellas like full sun, like soil to be moist but do not overwater, like a well drained soil, they are known to die very quickly if too wet. I buy seedlings as I have poor success in raising from seed. Up to about 400mm high I remove any small fruit so that they tend to branch out. I planted last year in September and the first flowers appeared about 3 weeks ago. Fruit ready to pick now. My trees are about 2metres tall now. Message back if you would like more info. Cheers Rod

- rod ward

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 GardenGrow 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 GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | 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. GardenGrow 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.