Rosella Seeds

ROSELLA Seeds

Botanical Name: Hibiscus sabdariffa

• Tropical plant known for its edible red calyces, used in jams, teas, sauces, and syrups.
• Produces attractive, bushy plants with deep green leaves and creamy-yellow flowers.
• Calyces have a tart, cranberry-like flavor, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Rosella leaves can also be used in salads, while the young shoots are edible as well.
• Thrives in warm, humid climates, but can be grown as an annual in temperate zones.
• Grows up to 1.5 – 2 meters tall, making it a beautiful ornamental addition to any garden.
• Popular in beverages and desserts, especially for making hibiscus tea.

Plant Details:

• Plant Type: Annual in temperate climates; perennial in tropical regions

Sowing Information:

• Sow When:
  • Temperate: October – November (start indoors or sow after frost)
  • Subtropical: September – November
  • Tropical: Year-round
  • Cool: Not recommended, unless grown in a greenhouse
  • Arid: August – October
• Germination: 7 – 14 days
• Depth: 1 cm deep
• Position: Full sun
• Sow Where: Directly into garden beds or large containers
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6 – 7.5
• Spacing: 50 – 70 cm between plants

Growing Tips:

• Soak seeds overnight before planting to speed up germination.
• Choose a sunny, sheltered location with rich, loamy soil.
• Apply compost or aged manure before planting for strong root development.
• Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and reduce weed competition.
• Rosella prefers consistent watering—avoid waterlogging but don’t let it dry out during flowering and fruiting.
• Pinch out the tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
• Support larger plants with stakes if grown in windy areas.
• Fertilise monthly with a balanced organic liquid fertiliser once flowering begins.
• Watch for aphids or caterpillars—use neem oil or hose them off if needed.

Harvest:

120 – 140 days after sowing (for calyces). Harvest when the bright red calyx has fully formed around the base of the spent flower, but before it starts to dry. Use scissors or garden snips to avoid damaging the branches.

Quick Growing Guide (Australia)