Seed Availability

Seeds are now available at our seed store.

Description

An annual, herbaceous shrub growing to 6-8 feet. Stems are bright red, with green leaves accented by red veins. Flowers are yellow, with a characteristic hibiscus look. The seed capsules follow and mature to a bright red color.

Hardiness

Not frost hardy. In colder climates it can be grown as an annual, but needs a long growing season for pods to mature. The species is usually commercially cultivated in tropical regions. The plant can be successfully grown in warmer regions of the United States as well.

Growing Environment

Grows best in warm, tropical climates. Needs continuous irrigation, so if rainfall is insufficient, plants should be watered regularly. In commercial cultivation the plants are usually grown in small clumps of 2-3 each, spaced apart by 3-6 feet. Roselle is a short-day plant, so it will need 12 hours or more of darkness to promote proper flowering.

Propagation

By seeds.

Germination Info

Scarification, by carefully nicking the flat portion of the seed can be helpful in jump-starting germination.

Uses

Roselle has a number of uses, but is most commonly seen in Latin America and Asia for use in flavoring beverages. The dried seed pods can found as 'flor de Jamaica" and can be added to cold water to create a refreshing, lemonade like drink. The fruits are also eaten fresh, used in the preparation of various dishes as well as cooked into a cranberry-like sauce. The young leaves and stems are also eaten in salads or used as seasoning. The plant has a number of suggested traditional medicinal applications as well.

Native Range

Native to Malaysia.

Additional Pictures

Related Species

Malvaceae
	Adansonia digitata Baobab		Alyogyne huegelii Blue Hibiscus
	Ansiodontea x hypomandarum Cape Mallow		Chiranthodendron pentadactylon Mexican Hand Tree
	Cola acuminata Cola Nut		Herrania imbricata Monkey Cacao
	Hibiscus palustris Swamp Rose Mallow		Hibiscus sabdariffa Roselle
	Hibiscus taiwanensis Cream Hibiscus		Hibiscus tiliaceus Beach Hibiscus
	Theobroma bicolor Mocambo		Theobroma cacao Cacao
	Theobroma grandiflorum Cupuassu		Theobroma speciosum Cacaui
	Theobroma subincanum Cupui