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

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21 Feb 21, David (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are Rossella roots invasive
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22 Feb 21, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I have not found the roots to be invasive at all. They tend to form a main tap root with tiny roots branching out from it.
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28 Jan 21, Merv (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi wondering what the value of the Hibisus beatle and does it cause any damage to the plant?
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01 Feb 21, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Check on the internet.
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15 Jan 21, Rod Ward (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Rhonda, I live in Caboolture, not far from you. Just wondering could we catch up some time to exchange ideas about growing Rosella plants. Thanks in advance Rod
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22 Jan 21, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
No Rhonda here in the last 50 comments. Start with good rich free draining soil. Add compost etc before planting. Plant at the recommended time. Water regularly - 3 times a week, longer waterings in summer.
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07 Dec 20, roy carpenter (Australia - temperate climate)
good day wondering if you could help me .i have planted 21 rosella plants ,all were growing very well. then 5 of the healthy plants shriveled up and died .at this point the others are doing well but i am concerned.the only thing i can think of is overwatering.the soil is workable but has clay deeper down. thank you.
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07 Dec 20, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
Here suggests tropical and sub-tropical, you are temperate. I suggest you check the soil moisture before you water each time. Have a little scratch in the soil down 50-70 mm. This will tell you if the soil is wet or has dried out. Little plants a small watering each day or so, when plants have established a good root system less water, like each 2-3 days, depending on soil type and whether winter or summer etc.
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11 Nov 20, Viv McLauchlan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How long could I expect a rosella plant to live in central Qld. Are they annuals or what?
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11 Nov 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the article here - it tells you.
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Showing 41 - 50 of 469 comments
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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

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