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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
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