Roselle

Roselle (Hibiscus) in 4-Inch and 6-Inch Pots Available in Jupiter, FL

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a vibrant, heat-loving tropical plant grown for its brilliant red calyces—the flavorful, fleshy petals used to make hibiscus tea, Caribbean sorrel drinks, jams, syrups, and herbal remedies. Bold, beautiful, and incredibly productive in South Florida’s long summers, Roselle brings both ornamental beauty and edible abundance to your garden.

Choose a 4-inch starter for a strong young transplant or a more established 6-inch plant ready to accelerate growth in your garden bed or large container. Once planted, Roselle grows quickly and rewards you with dramatic foliage, creamy-yellow hibiscus flowers, and deep ruby harvests.

Care & Growing Info (Optimized for South Florida):

Sunlight: Full sun—minimum 6 to 8 hours daily for strong growth and heavy calyx production.

Watering: Moderate. Water deeply when the top inch of soil dries out. Roselle prefers consistent moisture but does not tolerate standing water.

Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil enriched with compost. Thrives in South Florida’s native soils when organic matter is incorporated.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce flowering and calyx production.

Growth Habit: Fast-growing annual shrub. In South Florida, Roselle can reach 4–7 feet tall and wide in one growing season.

Temperature: USDA Zones 9–11. Loves heat and humidity. Sensitive to frost.

Maintenance: Low. Pinch young plants to encourage branching and bushier growth. Provide good airflow to reduce fungal pressure during rainy season.

Harvest & Seasonality:

Planting Time: Best planted late spring through early summer in South Florida.

Harvest Time: Late summer through fall (typically September–November).

How to Harvest: Harvest the fleshy red calyces after flowers fade but before they dry out. Use fresh for beverages and culinary dishes or dry for tea.

Edible Parts: Red calyces (for tea, jams, syrups), young leaves (tangy and edible raw or cooked).

Medicinal & Nutritional Benefits:

Roselle is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and anthocyanins. Traditionally used to support heart health, healthy blood pressure, immune function, and digestion. Hibiscus tea is refreshing, tart, and naturally hydrating—especially welcome during Florida’s warm months.

Ideal For:

• South Florida summer gardens

• Herbal tea and wellness gardens

• Pollinator-friendly landscapes

• Edible ornamental plantings

• Seasonal abundance growers

Plant Classification:

Scientific Name: Hibiscus sabdariffa
Common Name: Roselle, Jamaican Sorrel, Florida Cranberry
Plant Type: Tropical edible flowering plant
Family: Malvaceae (hibiscus family)
Class: Dicot – Broadleaf
Growth Form: Upright annual shrub
Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous annual (completes life cycle in one warm season)
Perennial or Annual: Annual in South Florida

Container Size: 4-inch or 6-inch pot