Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Seeds
Botanical Name: Hibiscus sabdariffa
Rosella is a fast-growing warm-season plant prized for its vibrant red calyxes, which are traditionally used to make rosella jam, cordial, herbal tea, syrups, sauces and desserts. Attractive cream-yellow hibiscus flowers, colourful stems and lush foliage also make rosella a striking ornamental addition to edible gardens.
Rosella thrives in tropical and subtropical Australia and can also be grown as a productive annual in warm temperate districts with a long frost-free growing season.
New to growing rosella? Read our complete Rosella Growing Guide for Australia covering sowing times, harvesting, growing conditions, seed saving and common problems.
- Produces attractive edible red calyxes used for jams, cordials, teas, syrups and preserves.
- Creamy-yellow hibiscus flowers followed by vibrant red calyxes.
- Young leaves and tender shoots can also be used in cooking.
- Excellent ornamental and productive edible garden plant.
- Fast-growing shrub reaching approximately 1.5–2 metres tall.
- Thrives in full sun and warm, frost-free conditions.
- Suitable for garden beds and large containers.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Warm-season annual or short-lived perennial in frost-free climates
- Botanical Name: Hibiscus sabdariffa
- Plant Family: Malvaceae
- Plant Height: Approximately 1.5–2 metres
- Position: Full sun
- Frost Tolerance: Very low
- Time to Harvest: Approximately 120–150 days
- Edible Parts: Red calyxes, young leaves and tender shoots
Sowing Information
- Germination: Usually 7–14 days in warm soil
- Optimal Soil Temperature: Approximately 22–30°C
- Sowing Depth: Approximately 1 cm
- Position: Full sun
- Sow Where: Garden beds, raised beds or large containers
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost
- Preferred pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
- Spacing: 60–100 cm between plants
Growing Tips
- Soak seeds overnight before sowing if desired to soften the seed coat.
- Choose a warm, sunny position protected from frost.
- Improve poor soil with mature compost before planting.
- Water regularly during establishment and flowering.
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pinch out young growing tips to encourage bushier plants.
- Stake plants if growing in windy locations.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertiliser, which encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowering.
Harvest
Harvest approximately 120–150 days after sowing. Pick the fleshy red calyxes after the flowers have dropped and while they remain plump and tender. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production throughout the season.
Suitable For
- Home vegetable gardens
- Kitchen gardens
- Raised beds
- Large containers
- Permaculture gardens
- Tropical and subtropical gardens
Popular Uses
- Rosella jam
- Rosella cordial
- Herbal tea
- Syrups
- Sauces
- Desserts
- Fresh edible leaves
Quick Growing Guide (Australia)
| Climate | Best Sowing Time | Sunlight | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical | Warm periods throughout the year | Full sun | Approximately 4–6 months |
| Subtropical | September–November | Full sun | Late summer–autumn |
| Warm Temperate | October–November | Full sun | Autumn |
| Arid | Spring after frost | Full sun | Approximately 4–6 months |
| Cool Temperate | Start under protection | Full sun | Before first frost |
Want complete growing instructions?
Read our comprehensive Rosella Growing Guide for Australia to learn when to sow, how to grow rosella, harvesting calyxes, seed saving, growing in pots and common growing problems.