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
13 Feb 14, Veronica (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
Hi - Are you still in Spain and did you ever get any seeds? Let me know as I have some from Africa. I can spare you a few.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Jul 09, Rasputen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Rosella wine (from notes 24/04/1988). Basically followed a recipe for rhubarb wine - My notes are a bit sketchy but can provide what details that I have for anyone interested. Makes a fabulous looking, great tasting wine.
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Sep 16, dave adams (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
could you send me a copy of your rosella wine please, I would love to try it , thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
03 May 12, sue ware (Australia - tropical climate)
Would love your recipe for Rhubarb and rosella wine have tree out back!
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Sep 16, Greg Wheeldon (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like a recipe for Rosella Wine. Can anyone assist please.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Apr 11, Joan (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like your recipe for Rosella wine. I have made quite a few fruit wines. My rosellas are ready to be picked.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Nov 10, Karen Mehonoshen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I would like to try the rosella wine recipe or any other of the rosella recipes you have. You can email me. Thanks so much.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Jun 09, mavis (Australia - tropical climate)
My rossella plants have chewed stems on the end of some branches. I can not see any insect infestation but would like some advise please. I do not spray with chemicals.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Jun 09, karen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
anyone out there with a rosella wine recipe??? thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
30 May 09, shirley richards (Australia - tropical climate)
i would like to know when to harvest fruit and how is the best way to remove the fruit from the bush as they are sharp and strongly attached.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 401 - 410 of 472 comments
See comments for all plants

I grow a large plantation of approx 900 plants. If you are organic - Utilise pyrithrum for mites that may attack the stems. If you have drainage issues the root rot is cause by Needmatodes in the soil. It is very important not to re-plant a rosella straight away in the same location. Make sure your beds are well rested to rebuild core nutrients and particularly nitrogen for a good return harvest. While bed resting make sure you toss the soil for subsoil airation as well. @ 2 months they do appreciate a slight scatter of dynamic lifter and if you can source it prior to flowering worm castings - an incredibly rich furtiliser that makes up 1litre per 1 gram. I have been supplying the flower in syrup for years which is most commonly used in either drinks or served over ice cream and have recently made Rosella vinegar. Another hint is to make it into a sauce for pork - Devine taste!!! For any enquiries please email myself: zenon.kowalczyk (at) gmail.com

- Zenon

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.