Planting and Growing Guide for Rosella (Rheum rhabarbarum)
Description
Rosella, also known as Roselle or Queensland Jam Plant, is a hardy perennial that is usually grown as an annual. It reaches to a height of 2 metres (6 feet). The Rosella bush is grown for the large red calyxes that are rich in vitamin C. While usually grown from seed, they can also be grown from cuttings. Seeds can be planted directly into the garden or into seed trays, about 1/2 cm (1/4 inch) deep. Sowing into seed trays kept in a warm protected areas, will give an earlier start for plants to grow in cooler regions. Rosella is frost tender, and needs at least 6 months of warm weather to produce its fruit. So Rosella is best suited to tropical or sub-tropical areas with a long warm season. Rosella can only be grown as an annual in areas with cold winters.
The Rosella bushes will flower about 7-8 week after germinating. It will take another 3-4 weeks until the calyxes are ready to harvest. The red calyxes have pleasant tart-sweet flavour. They are used to make delicious jams or jellies. The seeds can be removed from the green seed pods. They can be roasted and ground into flour. Young leaves can be steamed, boiled or stir-fried. The leaves and shoots are known as Red Sorrel in the Pacific Region.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow in garden, or start in seed trays, in warm weather in Spring. Cover seed with 12 mm of fine sandy soil. Can also be grown from cuttings.
Space between plants: Allow about 120 cm (4 feet) between plants. Plant several seeds in holes about 50 cm (10 inches) apart and then thin seedlings to half this distance, retaining the strongest plants.
Harvest Time: Harvest in 21-25 weeks. Needs to be planted early due to the long growth time to produce its fruits
Hints:
- Grows best in full sun.
- Dig aged compost, or well-rotted animal manure, into the soil several weeks before planting. Feed regularly and add compost around the plants as they grow as a mulch and source of nutrients.
- Water frequently especially when the plants are flowering and developing fruit. Regular mulching is beneficial to retain moisture and help control weeds.
- Ensure a good crop by growing the plants quickly and avoiding growth checks.
- Rosella does well in a range of soils with a slightly acid pH (6.5 to 7)
- When harvesting, remove the seed pods. The seeds can be roasted separately
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!