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
  • Rosellas on plant
  • Rosella bud
  • Rosella plant

This frost tender annual grows to a height of 2 metres. It is grown for its red fruit which make delicious jam or jelly.

Rosella needs a growing season of at least 6 months warm weather so is best suited to tropical or sub-tropical areas. Can be started under glass in cooler areas. Water well and give a dressing of fertiliser when flowering starts.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Rosella

The large flowers produce a crimson enlarged calyx.
Use the fleshy red calyx, without the green seed pod to make jam or jelly.

Your comments and tips

01 Sep 10, Dorothy Spofford (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Growing up in Qld my Mum always made Rozella jam.While visiting the Botanical garden in Norfolk Va this summer I noticed a large thriving crop of Rozella. Where can I get the seeds to try and grow in Williamsburg.Va.
01 Sep 10, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The online catalogue of www.nicholsgardennursery.com lists roselle.
08 May 11, Bill (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Where can I buy Roseella seed or Plants?
30 Mar 12, Kathy Hunt (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Is there a source for the rosella seeds in the US? If so, how can I acquire some?
14 May 12, sussanne (Australia - tropical climate)
we have abundent rosella bushes growing . they are now full of fruit and flowers. it is now mid may . I want to make jam with the fruit. whendo i know what it the best time to pick them, I live outer northern Brisbane region. many thanks sussanne
23 Feb 13, r.e. corker (USA - Zone 7a climate)
rosella can be ordered at the following website [email protected]
08 May 14, tien le (USA - Zone 5b climate)
i want buy plant or seed roselle
18 Jul 15, Yusuf Isah (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
what is the effect of groundnut shell on growth of Roselle
21 Mar 22, C J Graham (USA - Zone 8a climate)
When is it safe to transplant my rosella in zone 8a?
29 Mar 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 4a climate)
Don't know your climate but after frosts I would think. It likes warm climate.
Showing 1 - 10 of 12 comments

Hi there, I live in southern Spain in the province of Murcia where it´s very warm most of the year and over 35 in the summer.Can anybody send me a few Rosella seeds?I would love to try growing them over here.Thankyou very much in anticipation. Val Fuller

- valerie

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.