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I have quite a lot of seedling plants available for Roselle Hibiscus (AKA: Florida Cranberry, Indian Sorrel, Jamaican Sorrel, Rosella, Queensland Jam Plant) Hibiscus sabdariffa. The plants are in gallon nursery containers and are about 12"-15" (inches) tall now; these are fast growing annual hibiscus plants - they will grow quickly into large bushes and flower and form fruits THIS FALL. This is the plant whose calyxes (fruits) are used to make Jamician Sorrel Tea - the national drink of Jamaica. Photos are of mature plants; I am offering seedlings which will grow into large plants this year.
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 and plenty of sun. This is a large annual, so plant about 2-3 feet apart. Feed and mulch well. Roselle is often planted in rows where it forms a dense hedge.
If you would like more information about the history of Roselle and the food value of the calyxes, try this site:
