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
  • Rosellas on plant
  • Rosella bud
  • Rosella plant

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

16 Sep 24, Clive Aucott (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Does Roselle go by other names?
26 Sep 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They generally give other names in the heading. Jam Plant.
23 Mar 24, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
What other plants can you grow with this plant to maximise the ground space.
25 Mar 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They need their space and nutrient from that space to produce a good crop.
18 Oct 23, Anne (Australia - tropical climate)
Can I freeze the raw fruit until I have enough to be able to make jam.
19 Oct 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
yes
06 Sep 23, Wendy Paterson (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
If anyone is looking for Roselle/Rosella seed in South Africa go to livingseeds online store.
24 May 23, Iman (Canada - Zone 6b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Does roselle grow in Edmonton as a perennial or annual?
25 May 23, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Winter in Edmonton would be too cold for Roselle to survive, so treat it as an annual.
10 Feb 23, Noelene Mayfield and Gordon Mayfield (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What would be eating my rosella bushes also ants on the trees. Should i fertilizer with what Thanks Noelene
Showing 1 - 10 of 471 comments

Seeds from the internet and read the info here about time to harvest.

- Anonymous

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.