Roselle -
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Roselle is a shrubby tropical/subtropical annual also known as red sorrel, Jamaican sorrel, sour-sour and Florida cranberry. Botanically named Hibiscus sabdariffa, it is a member of the Mallow family and has the classic five petals and funnel-shaped flowers typical to this family. Roselle is grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be grown as a summer crop in temperate regions. The flavor of the flowers buds/leaves are sour tasting and work well with pickling, curries, or prepared with strong and spicy flavors. Flowers are used in beverages and simple syrups, sauces, jellies, preserves, chutneys. The leaves are prepared fresh in salads or cooked vegetables and used to season curries.
- Warm season annual
- Planting season: spring/late summer
Roselle is very sensitive to frost. Prepare fertile sandy loam soil. Sow seeds in spring/summer after last frost in a warm, sunny location. Or start seeds indoors and transplant when weather warms. Keep soil moist. For leaf harvesting, begin 6 weeks after transplanting or when 18" tall, leaving 3-4" of stem. Second cutting and after are done in 4 weeks intervals. Short plants may be thinned out. The fruits are harvested when plants are full grown and can easily snapped off by hand. They are easier to break off in the morning than at the end of the day.
Germination Temperature 75-90ﾟF
Seed Depth 1/2"
Plant Spacing- 36-60"