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 Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer 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
  • 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Canada | for all countries
24 May 23, Iman (Canada - Zone 6b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Does roselle grow in Edmonton as a perennial or annual?
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25 May 23, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Winter in Edmonton would be too cold for Roselle to survive, so treat it as an annual.
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21 Dec 21, Marva (Canada - Zone 7a Mild Temperate climate)
I live in Vancouver BC where can I purchase Rosella plants or seeds here
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04 Mar 22, Deborah (Canada - Zone 7a Mild Temperate climate)
Hello i too would like to try growing rosella this year and wondered if anyone found where you can buy seeds or plants in Vancouver. thanks.
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23 Dec 21, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If there is no planting guide in the monthly planting calendar then you can not grow them where you live. Need a warm to hotter climate.
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12 Feb 18, Kathi (Canada - Zone 6b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Where can I buy Roselle seeds or plant please
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19 Apr 15, Debi (Canada - Zone 8a Mild Temperate climate)
I live in one of the warmest climate zones in Canada on Vancouver Island and would like to grow rosella here on the coast of the Salish Sea. I was wondering if they would grow as a protected annual here, or with luck a perennial?
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27 Feb 16, Brigitte (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
I live in Vancouver,BC and would like to grow them too. Have you already tried? I think I'll start seeds and grow them in my greenhouse.
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i want buy plant or seed roselle

- tien le

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