Roselle
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 23, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Roselle
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a fast-growing tropical annual — also called Florida Cranberry or Jamaica Sorrel — widely grown in NE Florida for its fleshy, deep red calyces used to make teas, jellies, and sauces. It produces pale yellow flowers with dark red centers and is ornamentally striking in the summer garden. Hardy in zones 9–10; grow as a warm-season annual in NE Florida, sowing after the last frost. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Red
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Higher water demand in summer heat.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Roselle requires full sun — at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In NE Florida it thrives in the warm summer season; shade reduces vigor and calyx production significantly.
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist; Roselle is productive with moderate, consistent moisture but does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. In NE Florida, natural summer rainfall usually meets needs; supplement during dry spells. Nematode pressure increases in continuously wet soils — practice crop rotation.
Plant in well-drained, fertile sandy or loamy soil. In Florida, root-knot nematodes are the primary pest; use nematode-resistant planting sites and rotate annually. Fertilize at planting with a balanced fertilizer and side-dress mid-season to support vigorous calyx development. Direct sow or transplant after last frost; in NE Florida, plant in late spring through early summer.
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Common questions
Is Roselle a good plant for St. Augustine?
Roselle is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 5-7 feet × 3-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.