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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13 Feb 14, Veronica (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
Hi - Are you still in Spain and did you ever get any seeds? Let me know as I have some from Africa. I can spare you a few.
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07 Jul 09, Rasputen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Rosella wine (from notes 24/04/1988). Basically followed a recipe for rhubarb wine - My notes are a bit sketchy but can provide what details that I have for anyone interested. Makes a fabulous looking, great tasting wine.
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24 Sep 16, dave adams (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
could you send me a copy of your rosella wine please, I would love to try it , thanks
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03 May 12, sue ware (Australia - tropical climate)
Would love your recipe for Rhubarb and rosella wine have tree out back!
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18 Sep 16, Greg Wheeldon (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like a recipe for Rosella Wine. Can anyone assist please.
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18 Apr 11, Joan (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like your recipe for Rosella wine. I have made quite a few fruit wines. My rosellas are ready to be picked.
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04 Nov 10, Karen Mehonoshen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I would like to try the rosella wine recipe or any other of the rosella recipes you have. You can email me. Thanks so much.
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25 Jun 09, mavis (Australia - tropical climate)
My rossella plants have chewed stems on the end of some branches. I can not see any insect infestation but would like some advise please. I do not spray with chemicals.
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05 Jun 09, karen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
anyone out there with a rosella wine recipe??? thanks
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30 May 09, shirley richards (Australia - tropical climate)
i would like to know when to harvest fruit and how is the best way to remove the fruit from the bush as they are sharp and strongly attached.
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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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