24+ Seeds for Roselle Hibiscus (AKA: Florida Cranberry, Indian Sorrel, Jamaican Sorrel, Rosella, Queensland Jam Plant) Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Roselle is a WONDERFUL plant in the home landscape and one that I am truly impressed with for it's ease of care and beauty. Fifty years ago it was widely grown in Florida as a summertime hedge and for its edible calyces and I don't know why it still isn't! The dark green leaves contrast nicely with the red stems and petioles, making it a beautiful specimen even before it starts to bloom. In the fall the plants EXPLODE with flowers that start the day yellow with a light blush of pink and end the day as a dark, dusty rose color. Although each flower is only about 3" across and lasts only a day, they bushes are covered in new flowers each day. Just when other plants are starting to fade, these really liven the landscape during the fall!
The edible calyces (fruits) are a bonus!
At the bottom of each flower, enclosing the bases of the five petals, is a fleshy bright red cup-like structure called a calyx, The calyx is about 1 inch in diameter. The calyces of
Roselle are used to make juices, sauces, jellies, wines and pies.
Place Roselle where it will have plenty of room. This is a large annual, so thin plants to about 3 feet apart. Feed and mulch well. Roselle is often planted in rows where it forms a dense hedge by mid summer If planted from seed in spring,
Seeds can be planted outdoors in USDA zones 8-11. Farther north (to zone 6), start seeds indoors and transplant outside after all danger of frost. Roselle can be a short-lived perennial in zones 10 and 11 otherwise it is grown as an annual. Full Sun.
If you would like more information about the history of Roselle and the food value of the calyxes, try this site:
Roselle History - Purdue Univ.
Check this link for recipes for using the Roselle Calyces:
Roselle Recipes
Check this link for more history and medicinal uses of the Roselle Calyces:
Wikipedia Roselle
