Roselle - Hibiscus sabdariffa (40 seeds)

Kings Seeds NZ

Roselle is a beautiful annual hibiscus with a range of culinary uses and applications. The bright red calyxes can be used to make a zingy tea, syrup or jam, or to give champagne cocktails a red glow. The flowers and young leaves are edible with a citrus tang and are widely used in Asian cuisine.

Sowing Roselle
Like its cousin, the Okra, Roselle will transplant carefully but is best directly sown into a sunny, humus-rich location after frosts have well and truly passed. Spacing them 1m apart or further will encourage more buds to form. Sow 2 seeds in the same spot and thin out the weakest one. Or sow into a biodegradable pot that can be planted directly into the garden without disturbing the roots.

Caring for Roselle
Regular watering of Roselle will help to encourage steady growth during early development stages. Planting Roselle in warm and sheltered spots will help to support flowering and calyx formation. Ensure adequate spacing to improve airflow and reduce competition between plants.

Uses of Roselle
Bright calyxes suit teas, syrups, preserves and beverage colouring. Young foliage and blooms also feature in savoury dishes across Asian cuisines. Roselle is also great as an ornamental flower in home gardens and has stunning decorative value.