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.

Hi, I'm looking for roselle seed do you know where can i buy in NZ, thanks

- Santhi

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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.
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