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 USA - Zone 5a 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

03 Jan 09, Christine McNab Visick (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am a transplanted Qld'er living in the central plateau of Madagascar, in Antananarivo. The temperatures are very much like Toowoomba, Qld. I brought Rosella seeds with me, planted the seedlings out the first week of Nov 08. They are growing vigorously and flowering nicely. Small fruit are starting to appear. Question: when should I expect the fruit crop to peak?
24 Dec 08, Skin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The NT Government has this on their Recipe Sheet for Rosella. Rosella Chutney Ingredients: ½ kg Rosella calyxes washed & dried thoroughly, ½ kg cooking apples, ½ kg onions, 2 large chillies (or capsicums), 2½ cups vinegar, ½ cup Worchestershire sauce, ½ cup raisins, 1 dessertspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, ½ kg sugar. Spice bag (1 dessertspoon whole allspice, 1 teaspoon cloves, 2 inch cinnamon stick, combine in clean muslin bag, remove before bottling). Method: Finely chop the rosella calyxes, apples, onions and chillies. Add remaining ingredients and boil together for 10 minutes. Add sugar and boil for ¾ -1 hour, stirring frequently. Bottle and seal in sterilised jars.
14 Dec 08, lynne m powell (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I recently met a gent who told me that rosellas make a beautiful chutney. Would there be a grower who could share a recipe? With thanks,in anticipation,Lynne
11 Dec 08, Don Beecroft (Australia - tropical climate)
I plant in the first quarter nearest to 1st of Sept. I use Hibiscus fertilizer and have had great results. They are thirsty plants but don't like wet feet, and they are ferocious feeders.
11 Jun 23, Jim Chaillon (Australia - tropical climate)
The bush is quite large and looks healthy. I can see no evidence of pests but the immature fruit die off on the branch and harden. Can you please advise what I can do?
27 Nov 08, Amy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
when should you pick your rosella fruit?
23 Nov 08, nostress (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can get rosella seed from Green Harvest try greenharvest.com.au
12 Nov 08, Sunita (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When can I plant rosella?How do I do it.What fertilizers should I use?
11 Nov 08, rod Macdonald (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in Bribane and cannot get (rosella) seed. Where can I buy seed.
07 Nov 08, alister (senior gardener) (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Rosella. 1st Bunnings are stocking small plants in the Brisbane region .Elsewhere?? (Nov 08) Plant in a free draining bed, enriched with organic matter. If in a warmer climate mulch with sugar cane straw. NOT bark,or wood chip as they cause the soil to go hydrophobic. (water repellent).Use plenty of a nitrogen based fertiliser and get good leaf growth. Plants about 1.2 metres apart. Consider sulphate of potash to get vigorous qualtiy plants.Light side dressings at the roots drip zones..Plants that are well fed and growing strongly are particular able to resist insect and disease attack. If you use seed expect to see it through in 10-14 days.Put slug bait on the covering soil and cover all with 3-4 pages of newspaper or 50mm of cane mulch.Be careful to watch as the seedlings come through so they do not become leggy.Keep damp. We have 7 plants underway on Macleay Island Brisbane.Best wishes and good luck.
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