How to Grow Hibiscus Roselle in Cooler Climates
Oct 04, 2025Hibiscus roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is an herb known for its deliciously tangy flavor and multiple benefits for the heart and circulatory system, specifically for women. This tropical herb, believe it or not, can be grown in non-tropical areas.
It goes by various names: roselle, roselle hibiscus plant, Florida cranberry, Jamaican sorrel, and even red sorrel. Whatever you call it, this bright, tangy type of hibiscus is a real gift to have on your apothecary shelf.
It does typically love warm weather, full sun, and a nice long growing season. But I promise, with the right care, even folks in temperate zones like us can grow it at home…no Caribbean zip code required.
We’ve been growing roselle for a couple of years now, and we love having this tropical beauty here in northern Illinois. Let me show you how we do it here on our herb farm.
Why You Need To Grow Roselle
There’s just so much to love about this member of the mallow family. It’s useful, beautiful, and wildly satisfying to grow from seed to jar.
The entire plant has something to offer:
-
The young leaves are edible (great tossed into fresh salads or sautéed with garlic).
-
The roselle flowers produce a bright red cup-like structure called the calyx, used to make hibiscus tea, jam, jellies, chutney, syrups, and more.
-
The plant itself has beautiful deep red stems, vibrant dark green leaves, and the most beautiful white flowers that really add something special to your garden beds.
It’s native to West Africa and grows perennially in South America, the low desert, and other parts of the world where it doesn’t freeze. But here in the United States, especially in places that experience cold winters, you’ll need to treat it like a short-lived annual that you start from seed each year. But, it still needs a long growing season, so be sure to start way earlier than you would your other herbs. We start our roselle seeds in early February up here.
Starting Roselle Seeds Indoors (How We Do It)
Alright, here’s where it gets fun. To grow roselle plants in cool weather zones, you’ve got to start early, especially if you’re gardening in temperate areas with a shorter growing window.
Starting our roselle seeds indoors in February means I’m starting them about 12 weeks before our last frost date. That’s because our last frost date hovers around early October, and roselle needs around 120 days to mature. Here’s how we start our seeds:
1. Scarify the Seeds
Roselle has a hard seed coat. You’ve gotta rough it up a little. I use a knife or fine sandpaper to gently nick the seed tip so that the seed can break through and germinate.
2. Soak in Warm Water
Toss your seeds into a bowl of warm water and let them soak for 6–8 hours. Don’t soak too much longer or you risk seed rot… I’ve made that mistake before when life got busy. This is a great way to jump start the scarification process. That seed coat really is super hard, so this step helps a ton.
3. Use Organic Soil with Good Drainage
When you’re working with medicinal herbs, organic practices are important. Think about that for a minute. If you are using a non-organic mix, there could be a lot of components to that mix that will damage your plant. An example… sprays get into the DNA of the plant and change it. What do you think that does to your herbs? My favorite pre-made mix is Fox Farm mixed with a little ProMix HP. Roselle likes well-drained soil, and that early root system doesn’t want to sit too wet or have to be in compacted mixes. So, moisten your soil evenly before planting for the best results, and don’t pack it down too tightly.
4. Add Heat and Light
Use a heat mat to keep soil temperatures warm. Hibiscus sabdariffa won’t germinate well in cool soil. Once they sprout, place them in a sunny spot or under a grow light. They’re day length sensitive, so they need consistent warmth and light right from the start.
Transplanting to the Garden
After the last frost, move your roselle seedlings to the garden. Pick a southern exposure or area with plenty of sun. You’ll want at least 6–8 hours of full sun every day, though a little afternoon shade won’t hurt in extremely hot summers.
Roselle grows into a large plant, easily 3–6 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide in cooler climates, so give it plenty of room. If you’re tight on garden space, you can also grow it in large containers, just be sure to stay on top of your watering schedule.
Plant it in raised beds or containers with good drainage to help its deep root system thrive.
Harvesting Roselle Flowers and Seed Pods
By late summer, the plant produces those beautiful flower buds and when the flower dies back, the bright red calyx comes through at the base of the flower.
That’s what we dry for bright red tea, and let me tell you, it’s worth the wait. Here are a few harvesting guidelines:
-
Harvest before your first frost sneaks in.
-
Snip the calyx off and remove the seed pod inside.
-
Dry your harvest and store it in a dark place, and enjoy its benefits all winter long.
Where to Get Roselle Seeds
Some good choices for roselle seed sources include:
-
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
-
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
-
Strictly Medicinal Seeds
Just look for any of its various names: hibiscus sabdariffa, Jamaican sorrel, Florida cranberry, red sorrel, or simply roselle. Wherever you decide to purchase your seeds from, be sure to look for the latin name. Remember, there are different types of every herb. Hibiscus is no different. To get the true hibiscus roselle, be sure to look for that latin name, Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Yes, hibiscus roselle needs a little extra attention, but it’s worth it.
If you’re a home gardener looking to add something beautiful and medicinal to your plot this year, try roselle hibiscus. From herbal tea to delicious syrup or jam, to just standing tall in your garden with that vibrant red color, this plant is a keeper.
Don't miss a beat!
New moves, motivation, and classes delivered to your inbox.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
