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
S             S S S S S
T T T           T T T T
P P             P P P P

(Best months for growing Rosella in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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

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18 Apr 09, Aaron (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
hi Cathie, sometimes rosella plant can differ either because of climate, type of seeds, extra. so dont panic.
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27 Apr 09, Dieter and Jeannie Klier (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We have 4 healthy looking Rosella bushes in our garden loaded with red calixes. Are these the ones we pick and make jam with? We thought it was the fruit following. Please advise by email as soon as possible. It would really be appreciated. Many thanks, Dieter and Jeannie.
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05 May 09, joseph van haren (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
question ,if I were to plant a few hectares of rosellas is there a good demand to sell them .
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07 May 09, Kristy (Australia - temperate climate)
Presently have 3 rosella plants in have havesred twice, both after flowering, and now noticing that the plants are re-shooting buds again, now. Last year only havested once last year and pulled the plant out. But this year I am going to leave the bushes and see what happens.
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09 May 09, mae (Australia - tropical climate)
I have grown rosellas first time in years, thought the plants were dying off but have been flowering and have already picked some for jam, cant remember if we used save the seeds and harvest again!!! Or do the plants continue on? Thanks
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12 May 09, [email protected] (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I also would like to know when to harvest the rosella fruit - before or after the flower??? Please answer me urgently !
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19 May 09, Geoff (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
For a family grow 4 to 6 plants; when making the jam, jelly, chutney, or flowers in syrup for later use in champaigne, save some seed pods. Dry them carefully in the sun avoiding rain and birds. Rosellas may be found in the Brisbane Markets most months except July and August. 2009 prices are $4.00 to $7.00 for the firm clean dry fruit. Retail would be from $5.00 to $10.00 per Kg. Packed in new jars and well labeled the jam sells at $4.50 per 300g. Poorly packed in scruffy second or third hand jars 500g may sell for $4.00 if you are silly enough to make it properly and the pack it poorly; either way its a lot of work...two or three boilings of twenty to 30 minutes and lots of sticky red mess on sauspans, seives, jugs, ladles, benches and floors; sugar, lemons, limes and jam thickener all have a place in the jam making. I first made the jam with my parents in 1955 after growing 12 to 16 bushes successfully for my Gardeners Badge in Cubs. The Secret Jam makers business covers the many ways of removing the calyx from the seed pod. HOWEVER THE FLAVOUR IS NEVER FORGOTTEN UNIQUELY QUEENSLAND AND UNSURPASSED. Over the years I' ve raise hundreds of dollars for the Red Cross and Local Churches and given away dozens of jars of Jam. I am trying a recipe I devised for Rusella Butter which should knock Lemon Butter way off the shelves. Rosella Jam made with enough sugar will keep for 12 months below 25 oC, refrigerate after opening. Rosella Butter and Lemon Butter, Lime Butter, Passionfruit, Orange or Banana Butter must be refrigerated at ALL times and then will probably only last 4 or 5 weeks...even less once you open it! Lick your wooden spoons all you Qld. Jam makers. Plant the seeds (rosellas) after the last frost and plant 1 m apart in a sunny spot in well drained soil, applying fertiliser when the flowers first start. The plants may last two seasons but need to be trimmed in wet weather and after fruiting. Thehy are easier to remover after ONE season.
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23 May 10, Maureen (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi Geoff - would love some of your recipes seeing you have been growing for years. I have tried twice and both times more like cordial than jam so I am doing something wrong. I can grow them no problems at all, but I want to make, jam, wine, cordial etc with them. By the way where do you buy that book?
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09 May 12, Delene Kock (Australia - tropical climate)
Oakleigh State School in Brisbane has a school fair in September to raise money for the school. The PREP parents are given the task of making products for the Pantry Stall. We are trying to source Rosella as it is a uniquely Queensland taste that is sought after and will add great value to our pantry stall by stocking products made with this fruit. Any help or comments will be really appreciated -Delene
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24 Oct 13, nathan rogers (Australia - tropical climate)
such a great story i wish i could fully learn how to get such a great harvest
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Showing 41 - 50 of 409 comments
See comments for all plants

For a family grow 4 to 6 plants; when making the jam, jelly, chutney, or flowers in syrup for later use in champaigne, save some seed pods. Dry them carefully in the sun avoiding rain and birds. Rosellas may be found in the Brisbane Markets most months except July and August. 2009 prices are $4.00 to $7.00 for the firm clean dry fruit. Retail would be from $5.00 to $10.00 per Kg. Packed in new jars and well labeled the jam sells at $4.50 per 300g. Poorly packed in scruffy second or third hand jars 500g may sell for $4.00 if you are silly enough to make it properly and the pack it poorly; either way its a lot of work...two or three boilings of twenty to 30 minutes and lots of sticky red mess on sauspans, seives, jugs, ladles, benches and floors; sugar, lemons, limes and jam thickener all have a place in the jam making. I first made the jam with my parents in 1955 after growing 12 to 16 bushes successfully for my Gardeners Badge in Cubs. The Secret Jam makers business covers the many ways of removing the calyx from the seed pod. HOWEVER THE FLAVOUR IS NEVER FORGOTTEN UNIQUELY QUEENSLAND AND UNSURPASSED. Over the years I' ve raise hundreds of dollars for the Red Cross and Local Churches and given away dozens of jars of Jam. I am trying a recipe I devised for Rusella Butter which should knock Lemon Butter way off the shelves. Rosella Jam made with enough sugar will keep for 12 months below 25 oC, refrigerate after opening. Rosella Butter and Lemon Butter, Lime Butter, Passionfruit, Orange or Banana Butter must be refrigerated at ALL times and then will probably only last 4 or 5 weeks...even less once you open it! Lick your wooden spoons all you Qld. Jam makers. Plant the seeds (rosellas) after the last frost and plant 1 m apart in a sunny spot in well drained soil, applying fertiliser when the flowers first start. The plants may last two seasons but need to be trimmed in wet weather and after fruiting. Thehy are easier to remover after ONE season.

- Geoff

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