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

Your comments and tips

22 Jul 18, Shirley (Australia - temperate climate)
Could I grow Rosella in Tasmania I live in George Town on the coast & we do get a few frosts each year
22 Jul 18, Damien Howard (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello I moved to Tasmania a few yrs back and was wondering will Rosella trees grow in Tasmania though spring and summer or is it just to cold a climate like Mangoes The two fruits I miss more than anything
20 Jul 18, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Can I grow roselle in kinglake vic
12 Jun 18, Robert (Australia - tropical climate)
What’s the best time of year to pant the rosellas I’m in the innisfail area?
18 Jun 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Go back and read about rosellas here - the info is there.
21 Apr 19, Mulysa (Australia - temperate climate)
Not such a dumb question, we are SA temperate and depending where you are in it can have a 4 to 8 week difference on sowing and harvesting times. Through experiance over 10 years we have learned to use both Arid and temperate depending on month it is. But that was with the guidance of a friends son who studies climate and agronomy.
26 May 18, Graham Donnelly (Australia - tropical climate)
The first year I planted Rosella plants , that was three years ago The plants took a long time to flower and fruit These plants grew approximately 3.5 meters tall They did fruit ok though These were fertilised only with Searls Dianamiclifter pellets These plants were given to me by a friend . Last year I purchased seeds from CRT at Gordonvale These seeds shot in the pots in three days in good potting mix , they were planted out in about 3 weeks This time I mixed into the soil Sulfate of Potash as well as Dianamiclifter pellets And plenty of water The plants started flowering when 100mm 4 inches high and never stopped This year the same thing I think a lot depends on the Type of seeds and area you are in. Good Luck
29 May 18, Mike Logan (Australia - temperate climate)
Small ones could have been dwarf rosella. I have snow peas growing one grows 4' high the other doesn't start flowering until it is 4-5' high and grows 8"+ high.
31 Mar 18, Poppy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I planted a Rosella suckling 6wks ago. The past few weeks a fungus had started due to the wet weather. I got that under control, I thought. I just noticed the new leaves are getting eaten on the tips and some of the leaves have "brownish orange scales" on the underside. I couldn't locate a caterpillar. Might it be a cutting insect? Help! it has been doing really well in the well prepared soil and drainage. Location outside of Bundaberg.
04 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live near Bundy but travelling at the moment. Look up the internet for the symptoms. Try a bit of shade cloth or similar to protect it from eating insects for awhile. Or put a plastic bottle over it (with top open) with some oil or grease on the out side of it to stop bugs climbing up into it.
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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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