Roselle
Hibiscus sabdariffa
- Days to harvest
- 150–180 days
- Sunlight
- 6–10 hours/day
- Watering
- 3–5 per day
- Plant spacing
- 60 cm
- Minimum container size
- 40cm deep × 40cm wide
- Container-friendly
- 1 plants per container
- Estimated yield
- 175 kg / 100m²
- Life span
- annual
Climate Requirements
- Ideal temperature
- 24-35 °C
- Annual rainfall
- 500-1500 mm
- Humidity
- 60-80%
- Heat tolerance
- high
- Drought tolerance
- moderate
Soil & Planting
Planting method
Direct seed; 60x60 cm; full sun
Soil requirements
Sandy loam to loam, well-drained, pH 5.5-7.0
Companion Plants
- Lemongrassmoderate
Lemongrass border repels pests from roselle; both tolerate tropical heat well
- Sweet Basilmoderate
Basil attracts pollinators for roselle flowering; aromatic pest deterrence
- Lady's Fingermoderate
Both Malvaceae family with similar cultural needs; compatible spacing and pest profiles
Common Pests & Diseases
Safety Notes
Calyces consumed as tea/juice — ensure chemical-free production. Observe strict PHI if any spray used. Seeds not recommended for consumption in large quantities. Organic cultivation strongly preferred.
Market Demand
High and growing — roselle juice health trend; dried calyx export; food colouring; anthocyanin nutraceutical; jam, syrup
Regional Notes
MARDI developed high-yield Terengganu roselle. Malaysia leading roselle producer in SEA. Natural red colouring substitute driving food industry demand.
Sources
- Malaysian Herb Growing Guide — MARDI · Last reviewed: 2024-06-15
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Category: Herbs