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

06 May 21, Rosaleen (Australia - tropical climate)
Bugs are eating my rosella bush. What natural spray could I use? Thank you
10 May 21, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
look up the internet, usually a chilli garlic mix soap mix.
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?
30 Mar 21, (Australia - temperate climate)
Any general fertiliser will do.
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
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.
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
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
22 Sep 21, Matilda (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Rod, just wondering where do you buy your seedings from? Many thanks, Matilda
10 Mar 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Rod - germinating seeds. I use nursery trays about 15
Showing 11 - 20 of 409 comments

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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