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                      
    T                  
    P                  

(Best months for growing Rosella in USA - Zone 9b 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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17 May 15, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
Do they fruit once and the tree dies
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19 May 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
No they have not even flowered or fruited yet?
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02 Mar 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you pull out plants when finished fruiting or can you leave them in for the next season?
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02 May 15, Lilli (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I pull mine out each year when they are past their prime and the seed pods are bursting open.
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25 Feb 15, Rhonda Milliner (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have grown rosellas for the first time. They are about 2400mm high and very wide and producing lots of fruit. I've been making jam and cordial [delicious] as well as giving lots away. I can't believe how well they have done and how easy to grow. .I can pick at least a bucketful a week. Tips: I watered them when young and haven't done anything else since except pick. I use scissors to cut off fruit.
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15 Feb 15, Helen (Australia - temperate climate)
I've got 4 successful seedlings all about 10cm high. I grew them in a strawberry container on the window sill in the kitchen. Soon I'm going to transplant them into pots. I'm hesitant as by June it is winter here, and it gets very very cold, hence my reason for large pots, I'll keep them either inside or under the verandah. Has anyone else got any tips?
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23 Jan 15, Lesley (Australia - tropical climate)
Ok... So I have purchased Rosella seeds and will try to raise. I live in Townsville and wondering if anyone has any tips for me?
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19 Jan 15, mark (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi there, I have tried twice to propergate some different seeds from reputable seedsmen with no success. I have not had this problem before,any ideas? mark
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05 Jun 15, May Richards (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have been told to immerse the seeds in water for half and hour prior to potting. Hope this works.
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02 Jan 15, Liz (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I can't seem to get my rosella seeds to come up. I've tried two lots in seeding trays. Seeds were purchased from an organic growers community here on the Sunshine Coast. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. TIA. :D
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Showing 151 - 160 of 412 comments
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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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