Varietal Characterics- Species Hibiscus sabdariffa (also call hibiscus fruit).
Big deep blood-red flowers, drought resistant, productive. Mature or dried fruits are boiled to make a refreshing red drink (high in vitamin C). Popular in Thailand, Mexico, Egypt.
Soil and Climate
Likes full sun. Easy to grow and care for. Can be grown in all soil types. Best grown in rainy season starting May.
Planting Suggestions
Broadcast seed on a plowed field directly or can plant in rows, planting 3-4 seeds in the per holes. Once 2 leaves are showing, thin out to leave only the 2 healthiest seedlings in each hole.
Ideal planting distance: 60 cm x 80 cm between plants and rows. Best grown in an open field. If in a home with limited space can grow in pots, but only one plant per pots as plants need a lot of sun.
Care
Fertilization: 1st time at 40 days, 2nd time at 80 days. Use compost or aged manure. (observe the crop to see if enough fertility if not may fertilize again)
Watering: Should water evenly in the right amount, not leaving them dry or over watering (observe the planting soil). – However this is a very hardy plant that can compete with weeds, so can do well just with periodic rains during the rainy season.
Pests and Diseases
No disease problems found. However some pests nibble at leaves or seeds but not enough to cause significant damage.
Harvesting
Can start harvesting the rosella fruit from about 70-80 days after seeding.
Seed Saving
From about 180 days after seeding, can start harvesting for seed. Harvest the large flowers first. Then remove the seeds. Then the fruits can be used directly, dried for keeping or processed to jam. The seed pods should be dried for 3-4 days. Then put the dry seed pods in a sack. Walk back and forth over the sack and the seeds will be released from their pods. Then clean the seeds fanning them to remove dust, debris, and bad or undeveloped seeds. They may then gradually be packed in paper bags. Bags should be marked with the name of the variety, day, month, and year of harvest. Fold this paper bag and put into a plastic bag. Keep in the refrigerator for better longterm germination and minimal seed respiration. If so stored, can keep for over 2 years.
