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 20°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 140 cm 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

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?
17 Nov 21, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Seeds from the internet and read the info here about time to harvest.
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
09 Aug 21, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try online suppliers
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.
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
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.
02 Mar 21, Pav (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi There ,i am looking for the roselle seeds if anyone has it
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
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.

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