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 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

Your comments and tips

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06 May 21, Rosaleen (Australia - tropical climate)
Bugs are eating my rosella bush. What natural spray could I use? Thank you
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10 May 21, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
look up the internet, usually a chilli garlic mix soap mix.
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29 Mar 21, Manfred Widmer (Australia - tropical climate)
My Rosella Plants growing very good, I had the first harvest after about 3 months. Now since 2 months there is no sign of new flowers. What Fertilizer should I use?
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30 Mar 21, (Australia - temperate climate)
Any general fertiliser will do.
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17 Mar 21, Anita (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Wonderful rain and more to come however - will my plot of rosellas that are ready to harvest survive this comfortably? I usually have a dry growing season being west of Ipswich. We have customers for the fresh fruit so I am getting a bit nervous about the fruit until we start picking soon. Thankyou
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18 Mar 21, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The dangers of growing a lot of vegies this time of the year is the weather. If you do, then you run the risk of the weather ruining or damaging your crop. 4-5-6 inches of rain in an hour or so can make a mess real quick. That is why I don't start planting until this month. A quick downpour maybe ok, but prolong wet weather could lead to disease, fungus and insects (grubs). Keep a close eye on them. It is your call when to pick.
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08 Mar 21, Bruce Ray (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have just purchased a mature rosella plant .. It already has fruit. I understand soil conditions needed but am not sure of sunshine requirements. live in NNSW 60 km from the coast. Like your site! Thank you in advance
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09 Mar 21, rod ward (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Bruce, Rod here from Caboolture Qld, about 30klms from coast. From my experience and not sure what you refer to as a mature plant. Rosellas like full sun, like soil to be moist but do not overwater, like a well drained soil, they are known to die very quickly if too wet. I buy seedlings as I have poor success in raising from seed. Up to about 400mm high I remove any small fruit so that they tend to branch out. I planted last year in September and the first flowers appeared about 3 weeks ago. Fruit ready to pick now. My trees are about 2metres tall now. Message back if you would like more info. Cheers Rod
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22 Sep 21, Matilda (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Rod, just wondering where do you buy your seedings from? Many thanks, Matilda
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10 Mar 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Rod - germinating seeds. I use nursery trays about 15
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Showing 11 - 20 of 409 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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