Roselle Hibiscus Sabdariffa

Seed Quantity: 15**

Herbal medicine:

Roselle is an erect, bushy herbaceous subshrub that tops out at anywhere from four to seven feet tall and almost as wide. Stems are typically round and smooth. Alternate, deeply lobed green leaves are usually three to five inches long with reddish veins and toothed margins. When flowers first open, they are light yellow with a rose or maroon eye. As they mature during their one-day life span, they gradually darken to a dusty rose color. Flowers hug the stem, as they are borne in the leaf axils on short petioles. However, the 3- to 5-inch flowers are visually significant as they bloom up the length of the stem during the late summer and early fall months when the days grow shorter.Image

At the base of each flower is a fleshy, bright red structure called a calyx (sepal). It is this part that is harvested and used to make juices, sauces, jellies, wines, pies, and other tasty edibles. The calyces (or calyxes) are separated from the seeds for use in recipes. If left on the plant, the calyces eventually turn brown and split open to reveal the seeds. The leaves, stems, and calyces are all edible. Their flavor is reminiscent of cranberries, though less bitter.

Growing Roselle

Plant roselle in a full sun location. Start from seeds planted where they are to grow in Zones 8-11. In colder areas, start seeds indoors and transplant outside after the danger of frost is past. Place transplants at least three feet apart, or thin seedlings to that distance so that plants have plenty of room to grow. New plants are also easily started from cuttings.

Roselle is not particular about soil pH, but it requires a permeable soil. Sandy soil amended with humus is preferred; however, it adapts to a variety of soils. It appreciates frequent watering and is even tolerant of floods and stagnant water. Plant them anywhere an attractive shrub is needed during the summer. Scatter them in a mixed border, or plant in rows to make a dense hedge by midsummer. They also perform well in large containers.

Since it is susceptible to root knot nematodes, roselle should not be planted in the same place every year. A good mulch will help to control the nematode population, conserve water and inhibit weeds.

Harvesting Roselle

Begin harvesting the tender calyces about 10 days after the flowers bloom. Pick regularly to keep the plants blooming and producing. Remove the calyces from the seed pods. Most recipes call for 2 quarts of calyces and one quart of water. After boiling and simmering for about 10 minutes, the juice can be strained and used for a variety of recipes. It can be sweetened to make a flavorful drink, or jelly or wine if you prefer. The remaining pulp makes a delicious jam or pie filling.

Not only are all parts of the plant edible and used in many foods, but they have also been used extensively for medicinal purposes. Its usefulness as an intestinal antiseptic has been touted, as well as its effectiveness in treating arteriosclerosis and other ailments.

***Disclaimer*** We cannot guarantee the germination rate for each seed. However, they are very viable and I personally have had 95% success rate when growing these at home. Location, environment conditions will affect germination rate.

**Please Note** not all seeds maybe uniform in size and can vary. Do not discount the size of the seed as they are fresh and viable regardless. Each seed packet is checked for seed count prior to shipping out and for this reason we ship seed packets in clear packets so you the buyer can see the amount prior to opening the packet. If you have an issue with seed count do not open the packet. Instead contact us with a photo of the unopen packet for correction. Once open we will not send replacements.