How to Grow Roselle Hibiscus: 8 Essential Tips
Roselle hibiscus—also known as red sorrel, Jamaican sorrel, Florida cranberry, or Hibiscus sabdariffa—is as useful as it is beautiful. The deep red calyces are flavorful and tart, the leaves are edible, and the plants bring stunning color and pollinator-friendly blooms to the garden.
Here’s how to grow roselle hibiscus for a season full of beauty and harvest.
What we will cover:
- 1. Plant Roselle at the Right Time
- 2. Choose the Best Location to Plant Roselle
- 3. Caring for Roselle as it Grows
- 4. Give It Room—and Support—To Grow
- 5. Roselle Is Day-Length Sensitive
- 6. Harvest Roselle Calyces at the Right Time
- 7. Use Roselle in the Kitchen (and Beyond)
- 8. Save Roselle Seeds to Plant and Share
- Roselle Hibiscus FAQ
1. Plant Roselle at the Right Time
Roselle thrives in warm temperatures and grows best when direct-seeded into warm soil. You can purchase seeds here. Roselle also grows well from transplants. Some nurseries carry them, or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside.
- Ideal soil temperature: 75°–85°F (24°–29°C)
- Planting depth: ½ inch deep
- Spacing: Sow 2–3 seeds every 3 feet, then thin to the strongest seedling once they reach 2–3 inches tall.
Low Desert Timing:
Start seeds indoors from February through April. Plant roselle from seed or transplant ouside in March through May once the weather warms.
Cooler Climates:
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost. When seedlings are 3–4 inches tall, transplant to a full-sun spot outdoors.
2. Choose the Best Location to Plant Roselle
Roselle does best in well-draining, fertile soil and full sun. Add a balanced compost when planting, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers—too much nitrogen leads to leafy growth with fewer blooms and calyces.
In the low desert, some afternoon shade is fine—especially during the hottest months.
Tip: In hot climates, roselle can be a great heat-tolerant companion plant for cucumbers, offering some dappled shade. Learn more: Best Companion Plants for Cucumbers
If you enjoy growing roselle, you might also like Mahogany Splendor Hibiscus—another beautiful variety with striking deep red foliage.
3. Caring for Roselle as it Grows
Roselle loves warm, humid weather and doesn’t tolerate frost. In zones 10–11, it can act as a short-lived perennial, but it’s typically grown as an annual in most gardens.
Here in the low desert, roselle really takes off when the monsoon humidity arrives. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot.
4. Give It Room—and Support—To Grow
Roselle gets big—really big. Mature plants can easily reach 5–7 feet tall and just as wide.
- Spacing: 3–6 feet between plants; 5 feet between rows
- Support: Use a sturdy stake like rebar, driven at least 12 inches into the ground.
Branches get heavy, especially after rain or once blooms and calyces form.
I usually grow just one or two plants, and that’s more than enough for a generous harvest.
5. Roselle Is Day-Length Sensitive
Roselle is “photoperiod sensitive,” meaning it begins blooming as the days get shorter in the fall.
Even though flowering won’t begin until fall, it’s important to plant early in the season. This gives the plant time to grow large and develop plenty of branches for blooms and calyces.
Can you plant roselle in August? Probably. But expect a much smaller plant and harvest.
6. Harvest Roselle Calyces at the Right Time
The showy blooms resemble okra flowers and only last a day. After they fade, the calyx—the red part used for tea and recipes—begins to form around the seed pod.
- Best harvest window: 7–10 days after blooming
- Size guide: The calyx should be just over 1 inch wide. The seed pod should be fully formed but still tender.
Use clean clippers to harvest calyces and avoid damaging the branches. The more you pick, the more the plant produces.
7. Use Roselle in the Kitchen (and Beyond)
Roselle calyces taste like cranberries with lemony notes, but without the bitterness. To prepare, cut open the calyx, remove the white seed capsule, and rinse.
Here are just a few ways to use roselle:
- Roselle tea (also called Jamaica)
- Jellies and jams
- Pies and desserts
- “Mock” cranberry sauce (perfect for Thanksgiving)
Leaves are edible too! They taste like spicy spinach and can be used in:
- Salads
- Cooked greens
- Jams and teas
- Dishes from cultures around the world
Tip: Roselle calyces and leaves contain natural pectin, making them great for jelly and jam making.
Try flavoring your tea with homegrown stevia for a naturally sweet option—no added sugar needed.
Looking for more ideas?
Here are my 5 favorite ways to use roselle hibiscus.
Love growing edible and ornamental holiday plants? Don’t throw away that Christmas bulb—see how to replant and enjoy blooms again in my How to Grow Amaryllis article.
8. Save Roselle Seeds to Plant and Share
At the end of the season, leave a few calyces on the plant to collect seeds.
- Let pods dry on the plant until they turn brown and crack open easily.
- Shake out the seeds and store them in a cool, dark place for next season.
Seed saving is one of the best parts of gardening. It keeps the cycle going—and gives you something special to share.
Roselle Hibiscus FAQ
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a tropical plant grown for its edible red calyces, tangy leaves, and ornamental blooms. It’s also called red sorrel, Jamaican sorrel, or Florida cranberry.
Plant roselle once the soil has warmed to at least 75°F (24°C). In the low desert of Arizona, sow seeds or transplants March through May. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost and transplant after danger of frost has passed.
Choose a large container (at least 20 gallons), provide support, and expect a smaller harvest (depending on the size of the container). A whiskey barrel is a great choice for growing roselle.
Roselle can grow 5–7 feet tall and wide, depending on growing conditions. Be sure to give it plenty of space and support as it grows.
Yes. The branches get heavy with blooms and calyces, especially after rain. I use a length of rebar pounded into the ground about a foot deep to hold it upright.
Roselle is day-length sensitive, meaning it starts blooming in fall when days shorten. That’s why it’s important to plant early in the season—even though blooms won’t appear until later.
Harvest 7–10 days after blooming, when the calyx is over 1 inch wide and the seed pod inside is still tender. Use clean clippers to avoid damaging the branches.
The red calyces are used for:
Tea (Jamaica)
Jellies and jam
Pies and sauces
The leaves are also edible—use them in salads, cooked greens, or tea. Both the calyces and leaves contain natural pectin.
Only in frost-free zones (USDA zones 10–11) where it may grow as a short-lived perennial. In most places, it’s grown as an annual.
Yes! Let a few calyces dry completely on the plant. Once the pods are brown and crack open easily, collect the seeds and store them in a cool, dark place for next year.
Absolutely. The large, creamy yellow blooms attract bees and pollinators, making it a beautiful and useful addition to any garden.
Roselle is relatively pest-resistant, but you might occasionally see aphids or whiteflies—especially in humid conditions. Use a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap if needed. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Some roselle varieties are bred for larger calyces, while others have more tender or flavorful leaves. If you’re mainly growing for tea or jelly, look for varieties labeled “Thai Red” or “Victor.”
Roselle needs 4–5 months of warm weather before blooming. After flowering in the fall, you can begin harvesting calyces about 7–10 days later.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with a fellow gardener who might want to grow this beautiful and useful plant. Roselle hibiscus is one of my favorites, and I hope it becomes one of yours too.
I grew my first Roselle last year and I’m totally hooked. I’d like to plant several more this week along with a bunch of other stuff. I want to try to pack in as much stuff as I can to help keep the soil cool. My question is, does Roselle grow well with others? Maybe, sweet potato growing near by can stretch it’s vines under the Roselle like a living mulch or particular herb or flower that makes the Roselle happy?
Good question. Roselle gets quite large and can shade other plants, but it takes a while to grow that large. I like the idea of trying sweet potatoes underneath. Make sure to allow plenty of room around the plant for the potatoes as well. You may need to prune some of the lower branches on the roselle to give the sweet potato room. I grew roselle near zinnias last year and they both did well. Sunflowes and beans would also make good companions. Happy planting. Let me know how it goes.
@Christy Keeling, how did it go? I want to try this too
@Hannah, I have sweet potatoes under my roselle, next to the side of the house (creates a microclimate). They both have been going strong for over 1 1/2 years (survived ‘21’s frosts). They’re definitely friends!!
@Christy Keeling, I grew mine this year with okra. They worked very well together. I am going to try your sweet potato vine underneath as my Georgia clay got very dry.
@Christy Keeling, I grew sweet potatoes in pots and decided to plant Jamaican Sorrel together with them. They did well until the sweet potatoes started to take over the soil. They crowded out the Sorrel so I ultimately harvested the sweet potatoes and replanted what had survived of the Sorrel plants. The Sorrel recovered, but it was a lesson I won’t soon forget. The sweet potato roots had grown to fill the entire container. I won’t be doing that again. Plant them a few feet apart if you want the soil protected by the sweet potato folliage for cool soil, but keep in mind that sweet potato plants can deprive your Sorrel of growing room and nutrients in the soil.
Thank you so much for the tips. I want to try those. Where do I buy roselle seeds?
I’m glad it’s helpful. You can buy seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds or Southern Exposure Seeds
HI,
I just purchased some seeds and will plant this Spring. Just curious can you grown them in grow bags?
Thank you
The plants get large and will need staking. Use a large grow bag (at least 10 gallon) and try to give the plant some support.
I grew some from seed in 15″ clay pots. They did not get very big or develop a lot of leaves, but they were covered with calyses. Next year I supplant in 15 gal. Bags. I didn’t know they were annuals, as I have another hibiscus that’s been with me for ten years.
10 years! Wow! Although a perennial, roselle is usually grown as an annual in cooler climates. I imagine you will have better luck with a larger container. I’m glad to hear you got a lot of calyxes.
Hi,
I planted roselle seeds in mid March- in Tempe. The one plant that came up is only about 8 inches tall with around 10-12 leaves. Does that seem right? I’ve been providing afternoon shade because it’s so hot. Does it need more sun or this growth is normal?
Thank you to whoever has any info about this!
Hopefully you are growing it in good soil. The plants don’t need additional shade. Be careful not to overwater, if the top of the soil is moist, let it dry out a bit before watering. Mulch the plant well. You should see good growth with these great temps and humidity we’ve been having.
I just bought a 19 inch roselle at Summerwinds Oct.9th. Is there any hope for growing this in container? Help
Possibly – that sounds like a good size plant. It should begin flowering soon if it hasn’t already.
Thank you would the hard AZ ground be better?
You could try transplanting it into a larger container – or into the ground if the pot it is in isn’t large enough.
Thanks so much
what type of soil do you use? I just bought 3 about foot tall roselles. Am planning on pot growing for awhile. I was planning on putting them in front of the house but there’s a lot of rain run off, although it does drain well. also lots of shad until late morning ,then sun. in the afternoon, the sun goes on the other side of the house, so it’s in shade. Is this enough sun?
I used the raised bed mix from Arizona Worm Farm. Here is a post with more information about the soil: https://growinginthegarden.com/best-soil-for-raised-bed-vegetable-gardening/ Roselle is a warm season plant, if your area gets a freeze they will die. Good drainage is vital – too much water and they will rot. They need at least 6-8 hours of sun. Hope that helps.
I live in zone 6b in southeast Pennsylvania. I tried Roselle two years ago , starting seed indoors and transplanting outdoors in May and they were beautiful. They bloomed, but didn’t have a chance by October to develop the calyces before it got chilly. I absolutely love sorelle tea and am going try again, but appreciate any advice you may have to complete my harvest this year.
That’s tough – It may be too short of a season for you to grow it. You could try putting it in a large container and bringing it indoors with a strong light.
@Twanda Brisbon, maybe if you could build a greenhouse? I heard of a man in the rockies who grew a fig tree in a greenhouse.
What would recommend for a square foot gardening space?
I would recommend at least a 4×4 area per plant.
I’m grateful to have found this. I would love to grow my own roselle plants to make Sorrel, which so many think is the same as Hibiscus tea. I’m excited for this resource and to grow closer to my culture.
What are the best soil to use for in ground? A bag that I can buy from lowes? Thanks
For in ground beds adding organic matter like compost is key. I like the bagged Omni compost that is available at Lowe’s.
@Angela Judd, thanks I will check it out.
Is it beneficial to pinch the seedlings?
I haven’t needed to. It seems to branch on its own.
I am growing roselle for the first time and have two small plants right next to each other. I’m not sure how sensitive their roots are and am wondering if I could I have any luck uprooting and moving one of the plants or should I just snip it out?
I would snip it – they can be tricky sometimes, especially when it’s hot out.
When all the blooms have been harvested seeing as though it’s an annual. Should we uproot the existing sorrel plants and replant seeds in the following fall for a new harvest?
In some areas it’s a perennial, I’ve had the most luck replanting each year.
I wish I’d read this last March. I was thinking I could plant now, but no. Definitely on my Spring planting list, I think. Should it be shaded in the really hot Yuma AZ months?
It will tolerate full sun but doesn’t mind having shade during the hottest months.
I’m here in central west Florida and this is my first year of having a thai red rozelle covered with calyces. The plant is about five feet tall and maybe four feet wide. Each of the calyces is about an inch long and maybe 3/4 inch wide and a burgundy red. Some are even about 1/5 inch long and one inch wide. I read that the calyces should be picked before they get brown, but I haven’t seen any white flowers. I read that you don’t pick them until the white flower dies. I would think that they would be blooming by now. I have seen pictures of bowls of calyces that were picked and getting ready to make jam and they looked just like mine, but I haven’t seen blooms. Do I pick them now before they bloom? If I wait much longer they may turn brown. Or must I wait until I see a bloom and the bloom falls off before I pick them? If I do wait until then, then what I pick won’t look like the ones that someone showed in a picture that they picked in order to make jam. I’m confused.
Hi Diana – sounds like they have already bloomed and are ready to pick. The blooms may not have been noticeable.
Where do you purchase the seeds, Angela, please. Thank you.
Oh, please disregard. I found your link to Renee’s Garden. Thank you!
I would Love to grow these! Any advice for growing in NE Ohio?
Start seeds indoors for sure, and choose the warmest/sunniest spot in your yard.
I’m planting my first roselle this afternoon. (Phoenix) If I were to try to keep this as a perennial, how would I overwinter it?
I have yet to have mine overwinter successfully – put it in your warmest location and hope for the best.
@Angela Judd,
My packet says to plant 8-12” apart rather than 4×4 space. It is the zinger Hibiscus. Is that just a different variety?
It could be a smaller type yes. If you have a long growing season I would still give it plenty of room because most varieties grow quite large.
I plant my roselle in a big pot, they are now flowering (3rd of September now). However, I think I underestimated the pot. Can I still transplant the plant to the ground instead at this flowering stage?
I would leave it alone for now. Transplanting it may shock it and you may not get a harvest.
I wish I had come across your post much sooner. When I planted mine, I planted them 6“ apart in a raised bed and never thinned them out. Thankfully I have a 4’x12’ bed!! They have taken over all but 2’ on an end where a couple tomato plants are still fighting for space. One of them are at least 10’ tall (including the 26“ raised bed) and my husband was ready to pull them all out until I found some tiny buds appearing!! Yea!! Such beautiful plants, but I will designate a separate area next year for them. The stem alone is over half the size of my wrist!! I live in zone 8a in NC. Garden space is much too precious these day, not to be able to use it for veggies. 😉
I am currently growing mahogany splendor hibiscus, do most of the attributes apply to it? Are the leaves edible, calyxes ok to make tea or jelly, etc? Any other suggestions would be appreciated
This is a different plant, mahogany splendor hibiscus doesn’t fruit.
Hi Angela! I love your informative blog, YouTube channel, and the calendars! You have opened a window of hope to gardening in the low desert! I am growing and harvesting Roselle Hibiscus right now and unsure of the best way to remove the sepals from the calyxes? I have been drying the whole thing in the sunshine and then trying to remove them and they just fall apart. I noticed in your picture above they were “fresh” on the dehydrator rack… Could you please provide the best way to harvest these to remain whole? Many thanks!
Hi Barbara, I harvest the individual calyces with clippers when the plant is still growing. To separate the “fruit” from the seed pod I cut it off on the bottom. I’ve found this is the easiest way to harvest and process large amounts of calyces. Hope this helps.
My calyces aren’t turning fully red and taste bitter. They do have the dried flower tip so I know they’ve bloomed. Could I have under watered?
Could be a different variety. Allow them to get a little bit larger and see how they taste. Some varieties have a more variegated look and aren’t all red. The flavor may be different as well.
I grew Roselle hibiscus this year for the first time. I grew them in a raised beds. My calyxes are not as deep red as yours and others are. Even your stems are deep red. Some even are white with some red stripes. There are a lot of the flowers and calyxes. I’ve been keeping them picked so they keep producing but I’d like them to be plump and deep red for jam and tea.
There are different varieties of roselle. The striped one is a different type, but similar.
I just bought my first Roselle hibiscus from Logee’s. I’ve bought plants from them throughout the years and they’ve always been high-quality. But this hibiscus has two canes, the plant is 18 inches tall and there are no leaves on the first 12 inches. The top leaves look very healthy, but is this normal?
It could be. New growth is a good indicator of the plant health. Roselle hibiscus also grows very well from seed if you want to try that.
How & when can I prune my Roselle? It’s growing amazingly!
I would avoid pruning if possible. You can lightly prune lower branches or tips of branches, but be aware that the fruit will form along the branches very soon and fewer branches mean less fruit.
Hello. I enjoyed the Gardening 101 class yesterday. When is a good time to plant Fiesta hibiscus? In the ground or container is best? (obtained from Home Depot). And how much sun should it have?
Now through October would be a good time to plant. Fiesta is different than this type (roselle). I would give it some afternoon shade if possible. So glad you liked the class.