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

30 Dec 11, margaret mellor (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi there, we have just been initiated into the art of growing the wonderful Rosella plant as my hubby was presented with one for Christmas. We have limited space but would like to know what postion in sun or shade or semi shade it favours. we don't want to kill it. it is about 3 ft tall in a pot and its little leaves are curling up already. Any hints much appreciated.
29 Dec 11, Lynelda Wilson (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Simone, If you still have Rosella seeds I would appreciate some please. You can contact me on my Email address. I have been trying to buy some but have not been successful. Thanks Lynelda
26 Dec 11, Lynelda Wilson (Australia - temperate climate)
Want to but seeds to plant so I can make rosella jam
28 Dec 11, Chez (Australia - arid climate)
Eden Seeds have Rosella seeds available at present and you can order online. I grew them in my hydroponics last year and made my first rosella jam since I left the tropics. You need to get them started as soon as possible to allow enough time to fruit before it gets cool.
13 Aug 21, Carmen (Australia - tropical climate)
hello i would like to hear about your hydrponics set-up. we are hoping to get students growing rosellas in individual hydrponic pots made from recycled plastic bottles, but not sure how to start. did you raise your seeds in soil first, then transplant into the hydroponics? thanks
12 Feb 12, James (Australia - temperate climate)
In temperate climates I'd say don't bother, I live in Melbourne and my plant only got to about 15cm tall and the leaves were too sour to eat, no fruit on plant. They need a long hot growing season.
19 Dec 11, Valerie Hutton (Australia - tropical climate)
My rosella plants are taking their time growing (slowly), and something is eating small round holes in the leaves, also they get a white aphid like funges on the stems. Can you advise what is the best repellant to use in these cases. I have noticed a lot of orange ladybird beetles on the zucchini also, will the same repellant be ok for them?
14 Dec 11, Dorothy Stephens (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I planted some Rosellas in small pots a few weeks ago,(placed in a shallow trough so the roots could get to the water below). They were for a friend of mine down south. I have been feeding them with Fish emulsion and they have all started to bloom! Unfortunately my friend cannot come up to collect them! Question is, is it now possible for me to transplant them into large pots so I can pick the fruit for her later on? (I do not have room to plant them in my little garden! I live in Kingscliff,NSWs. so if anyone living locally would like a couple of these plants, please e-mail me.
18 Dec 11, Mary Petersen (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Dorothy, I have been looking for Rosellas for our new edible gardening and if still available I would love a couple of your plants (they sound beautiful and healthy). We are at Cobaki, Tweed Heads and could pick up before or after Chrissy, whichever may suit you. Kind regards & Merry Christmas Mary
20 Nov 11, (Australia - tropical climate)
Have bought rosella seedlings from mitre 10
Showing 261 - 270 of 471 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Rosella

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.