Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) is a herbaceous woody shrub that is native to northern Africa. Roselle is widely grown in dry and tropical climates for their fresh or dried red calyces. Grown as annuals or perennials their fruit is added to teas, salads and made into cold beverages. In some countries, Roselle is commonly regarded as an effective hangover remedy.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Also commonly known as Flor de Jamaica, October Hibiscus, Red Sorrell, Florida Cranberry, Jamaican Sorrel and Indian Sorrel.
Another eye-catching benefit of growing Roselle is the beautiful bicoloured flowers that bloom through Autumn.
One permaculture expert in southern Queensland adds Lemon Myrtle leaves into a tea made of Roselle.
Growth
Hibiscus sabdariffa is either an annual or perennial herb that grows to a height of around 3 metres (9 feet). Roselle is native to dry soils but are now grown widely in tropical regions. Once soaked, the seeds germinate easily in temperatures between 15-20°C / 59-68°F. Snails and slugs love to eat young seedlings and plans should be in place prior to sprouts appearing.
In warmer climates, Roselle will provide fruits for up to four seasons, with harvests occurring around late Autumn. For colder climates, they grow as annuals, dying off over winter. They can be protected if temperatures can be kept above 10°C / 50°F and will produce much bigger harvests during their second and third seasons.
Compared to most plants in the garden, Roselle flowers later than most, usually during the middle of Autumn as they wait for the daylight hours to shorten.
Deeper pots allow room for the large tap roots of Roselle plants.
FAMILY:
Malvaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold and Temperate (Annual). Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical (Perennial)
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10°C to 30°C / 50 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Most soil types are ok.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 3 metres (9 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 3 metres (9 feet)
pH:
5.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual or Perennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by bees and insects
MATURITY:
6-8 months
GERMINATION RATES:
65-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-3 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 50
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes, Folklore.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA (Red Roselle)
A beverage known as Hibiscus cooler in the United States is basically Roselle, sweetener and the juice of either apples, grapes or lemons.
In Britain, dried Roselle calyces and syrups are widely and cheaply available in Caribbean and Asian grocers.
Roselle is a folklore hangover remedy as it reduces the absorption of alcohol.
Agua de Jamaica or Water of Jamaica is a cold drink that with sepals soaked in icy water.
