Rosella — Early

$2.50
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To maintain seed viability, please store your Early Rosella seeds in the fridge.

Early Rosella is a unique annual bush that produces deep-red fruits called calyces. Rosella fruits look like fleshy, unopened flowers. These fruits can be harvested to make jams, relishes, and teas, or they can be eaten raw. Rosella fruits start off as hibiscus-like flowers. Once the Rosella flowers die off, the fruit is left for harvesting. Rosellas like fertile, well-draining soil, but they can handle a range of soil types. Rosella plants need a minimum of 6 months of warm weather to grow and produce properly (we are looking at you South-East Queensland!). This variety of rosella can grow up to 2m high. Early Rosella plants are extremely low-maintenance, but for best results prune after your first heavy harvest (this is usually in summer). 

To maintain seed viability, please store your Early Rosella seeds in the fridge.

Early Rosella is a unique annual bush that produces deep-red fruits called calyces. Rosella fruits look like fleshy, unopened flowers. These fruits can be harvested to make jams, relishes, and teas, or they can be eaten raw. Rosella fruits start off as hibiscus-like flowers. Once the Rosella flowers die off, the fruit is left for harvesting. Rosellas like fertile, well-draining soil, but they can handle a range of soil types. Rosella plants need a minimum of 6 months of warm weather to grow and produce properly (we are looking at you South-East Queensland!). This variety of rosella can grow up to 2m high. Early Rosella plants are extremely low-maintenance, but for best results prune after your first heavy harvest (this is usually in summer). 

UNTREATED. OPEN-POLLINATED. HEIRLOOM.

Hibiscus sabdariffa | 10 seeds per packet

Sow seeds direct into a garden bed or pot, or start seeds in trays in a protected area (indoors or inside a greenhouse). Sow seeds around 5 to 10mm deep. Transplant seedlings out when they have at least four leaves per plant. Leave 45 to 50cm between Rosella seeds or seedlings and at least 100cm between rows of Rosella plants. Germination occurs within 10 to 21 days. Seeds are best sown at the beginning of spring* when the soil temperature is between 18 to 25°C. Early Rosella plants reach full maturity after around 200 days.

*Sowing times may vary depending on your climate. See our planting guide for Early Rosella below.

Cool Climates: November to December

Temperate Climates: September to December

Arid Climates: September to March

Subtropical Climates: September to March

Tropical Climates: January to December