Hibiscus Roselle

Hibiscus Roselle Flowers

Hibiscus Roselle, the species of hibiscus used in tea, is easy to grow and produces beautiful red roselles that have the following benefits:

• Protects with antioxidants. The hibiscus plant is rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C and anthocyanin

• Fights inflammation

• Lowers blood pressure

• Lowers cholesterol

• Promotes weight loss

• Fights bacteria

• Supports liver health

Plus it tastes great as a tea! The seeds are easy to grow. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. It also helps to nick the seed coat before planting. Roselle grows best in zones 7 - 10. Here is South Carolina we are mostly in zones 7-8. It likes a tropical environment complete with humidity. When starting the seeds it germinates best at air temperatures of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If starting inside, start your seeds in February to get a jump on the growing season, or 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant outside in spring after the danger of frost is gone and when plants are at least 3-4 inches high in an area that gets full sun. Make sure there is at least 3 feet between plants. As they grow they can get as tall as 7 - 10 feet tall. Water regularly to keep moist, more if in a pot. They do become easily root bound in a pot.

Here are my roselle seedlings after 1 week in my greenhouse! Some of the taller ones I am getting ready to replant in a larger pot to grow until I plant outside. I will likely put some directly in the ground and some in large pots. And of course we will sell some. Try growing Hibiscus Roselle for beauty and health!