Hibiscus sabdariffa
Common Names: roselle, Florida cranberry, Indian sorrel, Jamaican
sorrel
Family: Malvaceae (mallow Family)
Annual Fast Growing Edible Plant Has Unusual or Interesting Foliage
Description
Roselle is a robust many-branched shrub-like annual that gets 4-7 ft
(1.2-2.1 m) tall and almost as broad. The dark green leaves are
about 6 in (15 cm) across and deeply dissected into 5 narrow lobes.
The stems, branches, leaf veins, and petioles (leaf stems) are
reddish purple. The hibiscus-like flowers, appearing in October, are
yellow and about 3 in (7.6 cm) across. At the bottom of each flower,
enclosing the bases of the five petals, is a fleshy bright red
cup-like structure called a calyx, The calyx is about 1 in (2.5 cm)
in diameter. The calyces of roselle are used to make juices, sauces,
jellies, wines and pies.
Location
Originally native to tropical Africa, roselle is grown in the
subtropics and tropics worldwide and has escaped cultivation and
become naturalized in tropical America and Asia.
Culture
Roselle is susceptible to root knot nematodes, so you may not be
able to grow it in the same place year after year. Mulch well to
punish the nematodes and to conserve water in the soil. No matter
when you plant it, roselle will not bloom until days begin to
shorten in October.
Light: Full sun.
Moisture: Roselle does best with regular watering.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 8 - 11. Seeds can be planted outdoors in USDA
zones 8-11. Farther north (to zone 6), start seeds indoors and
transplant outside after all danger of frost. Roselle can be a
short-lived perennial in zones 10 and 11.
Propagation: Roselle is an annual propagated from seed.
Usage
Roselle is an interesting and beautiful plant in the home landscape.
Fifty years ago it was widely grown in Florida as a summertime hedge
and for its edible calyces. The dark green leaves contrast nicely
with the red stems and petioles, and the yellow flowers are a rare
treat in October and November. The edible calyces are a bonus. Place
roselle where it will have plenty of room. This is a large annual,
so thin plants to about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart. Feed and mulch well. In
Florida, roselle is often planted in rows where it forms a dense
hedge by late summer. If grown just for juice production, roselle is
cultivated much like tomatoes, peppers or eggplants.
Features
Roselle juice is similar to cranberry juice, but not as bitter. The
calyces are harvested while they are still tender and juicy, about
10 days after the flowers appear. The plants will continue to flower
and produce if kept picked. Remove and discard the seed pods from
the calyces. Bring 2 quarts (1.9 l) of calyces and 1 quart (1 l) of
water to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, then strain and use the
juice with sugar to make a refreshing cranberry-like drink, or make
jelly or wine as you would with any fruit juice. The strained pulp
can be used for jam or pie. |
