Roselle

Roselle needs a long warm season and well-drained soil at pH 5.5-7.0 with moderate fertility. Avoid heavy nitrogen feeding, which favors leafy growth; many varieties flower as days shorten, so cool-season length can limit calyx production.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

36 in

First harvest

100–150 days

Tips

• Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out or sow 1/2 inch deep when soil is at least 70°F.
• Space plants 3-4 feet apart and water deeply during dry spells, especially while young.
• Pinch young tips for branching and stake tall shrubs in windy gardens.
• Use modest fertilizer and inspect flower buds for aphids and leaves for chewing pests.
• Pick plump, tender red calyces about 7-10 days after flowers fade, before seed capsules dry, and remove the capsules.