Growing Rosella, also Queensland Jam Plant, Roselle
Hibiscus Subdantta : Malvaceae / the mallow family
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | S | ||||||||||
| T | T |
(Best months for growing Rosella in South Africa - Semi-arid regions)
- S = Plant undercover in seed trays
- T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
- 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: 140 cm apart
- Harvest in 21-25 weeks.
- Compatible with (can grow beside): Feverfew, Coriander, Nasturtium and Hyssop
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.
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