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 New Zealand - cool/mountain 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

Your comments and tips

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22 Mar 21, Josie Lamattina (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have over 100 plants just wondering if anyone knows where I could sell the fruit ?
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22 Mar 21, Josie Lamattina (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi I have rosella fruit just wondering when are they ready to pick? Mine are not all red they have green as well are they still ok to use ?
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04 Jul 20, Colleen (Australia - tropical climate)
My mum has rosella bushes and they have been fully loaded with fruit and before the fruit is ready the bushes are just dying. This is also happening to her neighbour . All her vegetables and roses and gerbera are not having a problem. Any suggestions??
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07 Apr 20, Brenden (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I’m in Perth and my plants have been growing nicely till few weeks ago the leaves are starting to go lighter / yellow and brown on the worst on the out skirts of the leave. Any ideas why
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10 Jul 11, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
where can I buy some seed to plant. thank you
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16 May 11, Diana Adelaide (Australia - temperate climate)
Ant don't like turmeric. You can stop the ant by making a circle of turmeric powder at the base of the plant where ants won't cross it. Or sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area on the plant.
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15 May 11, ken (Australia - tropical climate)
how to stop ants carrying Aphids up into the rosella trees and into the maturing fruit.
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25 Mar 17, Bryan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have ants crawling all over rosella trees which are almost a metre high.
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25 Mar 19, Peter (Australia - tropical climate)
I have found that using an ant spray on the ground under the bush works. The spray I use is called
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20 Feb 17, Vera Caltabiano (Australia - temperate climate)
how to stop ants carrying Aphids into rosella trees and into maturing fruit
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We are actually on the south coast of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji. This is a similar latitude to the Whitsundays say half way between Townsville and Cairns but a little less humid as we are on the coast. we grew H.Sabdariffa this year from local seedlings. The flower was yellow and the calyxes only 1.5- 2.5cm and not very fleshy. I believe this version has traditionally been cultivated in Fiji by the Fijian Indians for its young leaf which is a sour spinach used to make chutney. The variety you mention, H.Subdantta looks as though the calyxes is much more fleshy which would suit our end game of producing it as a food source for herbal teas and jams. What color flower does it have? Can you tell me where I can buy seeds from?

- Llew Boddam-Whetham

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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. GardenGrow 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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