New Zealand - sub-tropical zone

Growing Rosella, also Queensland Jam Plant, Roselle

(Hibiscus Subdantta)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
P P             P P P P

(Best months for planting Rosella in New Zealand - sub-tropical regions)


September: Must be protected from cold nights

  • Harvest in 150-180 days
  • 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.
  • Space plants: 140cm-150cm

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

24 May 09 Maleta Knight (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Where can we get the seed or plant to grow Rosella in NZ?

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See planting calendar for these climate zones

New Zealand - sub-tropical  

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