Roselle, St. Kitts & Nevis

Hibiscus sabdariffa
 
Roselle has long been cultivated throughout the tropical regions of the world including Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean. First cultivated in Sudan roughly 6,000 years ago, hibiscus has long been cherished for its deep red calyces, which are used for delicious drinks, jams, jellies, sauces, teas, syrups, and even wine.

The St. Kitts & Nevis is a regional type of hibiscus cultivated in the Caribbean and valued for its juicy and tart calyces and bush-like contained growing habit.  Calyces are a deep, dark red color and more rounded than other varieties we have grown. The calyces have a delicious tart cranberry like flavor and have a myriad of culinary uses. Young leaves can be used in salads, soups or stews and traditionally the stems are used for making cordage. 
 
Roselle thrives in Hawaii's warm, subtropical climates and will grow year around, though summer has typically been a favorable growing season.  Plant April - July, with flowering occurring around the fall equinox, and triggered by shortening days.  The earlier planted, the larger the plants will get before flowering.  Though Roselle is typically an annual, some growers report a more perennial growing season. Start in the nursery and transplant into a sunny spot in your garden.  Plants can get BIG (4' wide and 4' tall).  Avoid water logged soils and over-irrigating as plants can die in such conditions from Phytophthora.  Few other disease issues, aphids and/or mealy bugs can become an issue.  Treat to control if around harvest as if they build up to high populations in calyces can make harvesting and processing more difficult/nasty.  Young leaves make tart and beautiful addition to salad mixes.  Also grown as a leaf vegetable in India, Fiji, and elsewhere.
Open pollinated - 20 seeds/pkt.
 
Cultivation: Roselle seeds germinate sporadically, so we have put more seeds in each packet for your success. 
Depth: 3/4"-1"
Spacing: 24"
Full sun
Maturity: Harvest calyces 20 days after flowering. Plants take 4 - 6 months to mature and flower.