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

01 Mar 21, Rod (Australia - temperate climate)
I am in sunshine coast north of brisbane. Q My rosella bush has lime green flowers with a very light pink tinge on outer edges. The fruit is of harvest size but the calyx is green and not red. Any ideas please before the plant becomes compost. Planted early sept. This is the second year this has happened. Seedlings purchased from nursery nearby.
04 Mar 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I suggest you talk to the nursery people or to their supplier. Also maybe ring someone like Eden Seeds and see if you can talk to someone who knows something about growing Rosellas. Maybe they need time to turn red it does say 5-6 months to harvest.
21 Feb 21, David (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are Rossella roots invasive
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.
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?
01 Feb 21, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Check on the internet.
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
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.
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.
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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