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 68°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 55 inches apart
  • Harvest in 21-25 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Feverfew, Coriander, Nasturtium and Hyssop

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
07 Feb 13, Salli Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes, plant new rosella bushes because they will die off like an annual and not regrow.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 May 12, jennifer (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
we have moved to warwick and there is 2 rosella bushes in our back yard around 1 met high i have picked fruit and made jam.my question is do i have to prune the bush and if so when.also how offten does it produce fruit any hints are welcomed thankyou
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Feb 13, Salli Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Jennifer I hope you saved some seed, 'cause that is the best way to grow them. The rosella bushes are annuals and will die.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 May 12, Pat Wallace (Australia - temperate climate)
We remember the taste of Rosella jam from 30 years ago when we lived near Lismore, NSW. I picked up 2 plants from a market on the coast but am trying to grow them near Tamworth, frost country. At present they are still in pots on the verandah & surviving with a few beautiful, red "flowers". I want to seed save from them. Any hints would be very welcome.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Jun 12, Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I found saving seed is easiest by removing the outer calyx and putting the pods in a dry warm spot to open.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Apr 12, blanckensee (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
First timw growers 10 bushers for Jam We have small fruit but flowers also. What is the story about to do with flowers. Don
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Apr 12, grant schirmer (Australia - arid climate)
please can someone tell what to spray my rosella plants with as they r being eaten by insects and have white aphids all on then . these plants r in flower. many thanks.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Apr 12, Janine (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can someone please tell when to pick my rosellas, Ive relocatd from WA and have no idea, but want to either make wine or jelly.....or anything really....
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Apr 12, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi , Wanting to know how to preserve rosella flowers for decoration in italian wine treat? Thanks.
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Mar 12, Robert Maxwell (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are the buds picked before or afteer flowering?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 241 - 250 of 472 comments
See comments for all plants

We are actually on the south coast of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji. This is a similar latitude to the Whitsundays say half way between Townsville and Cairns but a little less humid as we are on the coast. we grew H.Sabdariffa this year from local seedlings. The flower was yellow and the calyxes only 1.5- 2.5cm and not very fleshy. I believe this version has traditionally been cultivated in Fiji by the Fijian Indians for its young leaf which is a sour spinach used to make chutney. The variety you mention, H.Subdantta looks as though the calyxes is much more fleshy which would suit our end game of producing it as a food source for herbal teas and jams. What color flower does it have? Can you tell me where I can buy seeds from?

- Llew Boddam-Whetham

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 Gardenate 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 Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | 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. Gardenate 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.