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Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Botanical Information
| Botanical Information | |
|---|---|
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Hibiscus |
| Common Name | Rosella, Wild Hibiscus |
| Species | sabdariffa |
Maturity days
- 90-120 days
Planting Months
| Planting months | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| X | X | X | |||||||||
Permaculture uses
| Permaculture uses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Usage 1 | Usage 2 | Usage 3 |
| Pioneer | Shade, ground cover, chop & drop | bee food, herb, vegetable, fruit, tea, edible leaves |
Growing condition comments
| Growing Condition | Comment |
|---|---|
| Drought Tolerant | Moderately drought tolerant once established |
| Humidity tolerant | Well-adapted to Townsville's humid climate |
| Planting area | Garden beds, large pots |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
Photos
| Photos | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
||
| Rosella plant | Rosella flowers | Rosella calyces |
Recipes
Short comments
Fast-growing annual herb well-suited to Townsville's tropical climate, producing edible calyces high in Vitamin C.
General comments
Ecology
Rosella thrives in Townsville's tropical climate. It grows as an annual, completing its lifecycle within Townsville's warm season. The plant benefits from the region's high temperatures and humidity.
Uses
Rosella is versatile in the garden and kitchen. The calyces are used for making jams, jellies, sauces, and teas. Young leaves can be eaten in salads or cooked. The plant also serves as an attractive ornamental and can form an edible hedge.
Food
The fleshy calyces are the primary edible part, used fresh or dried. They have a tart, cranberry-like flavor and are rich in Vitamin C. Young leaves are also edible and have a sorrel-like taste.
Planting Depth
Sow seeds about 1cm deep in well-drained, fertile soil.
Seed Saving Tips
Allow some calyces to fully mature and dry on the plant. Collect the dried seed pods and store in a cool, dry place.
