Roselle Seeds - Asian Sour Leaf - Heirloom

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Other Common Names: Florida Cranberry, Indian Sorrel, Jamaican Tea, Maple-Leaf Hibiscus, October Hibiscus, Red Sorrell, chin baung ywat, or Roselle.

How to Grow Asian Sour Leaf Roselle

Suitable for zones 9-12 as a perennial or zones 3-8 as an annual. It can be grown as a summer crop in temperate regions. Roselle is very sensitive to frost. Sow seeds in spring/summer after the last frost in a warm, sunny location. Or start seeds indoors and transplant them when the weather warms. Keep soil moist when waiting for germination. It has average watering requirements after germination occurs.Thin out the shortest and weakest plants.

Prune the Asian Sour Leaf early in the season each year to ensure proper growth. Roselle is extremely sensitive to frost. Be sure to protect the plant from temperatures below 40℉ by covering it or bringing it indoors (if in a container).

Harvesting Asian Sour Leaf Roselle

For leaf harvesting, begin 6 weeks after transplanting or when 18" tall, leaving 3-4" of the stem. Harvest all of the following cuttings in 4-week intervals. Collect the fruits when plants are fully grown by easily snapping them off by hand. They are easier to break off in the morning than at the end of the day.

Culinary Tips

The flavor of the flower buds and the leaves is sour-tasting. They both work well with pickling and curries or prepared with bold and spicy flavors. Use the flowers in beverages and simple syrups, sauces, jellies, preserves, and chutneys. The leaves are prepared fresh in salads or cooked vegetables and used to season curries.

Stories From Our Gardeners

“I am definitely a hibiscus connoisseur! The blooms have always captivated me. When I learned about Asian Sour Leaf Hibiscus, I knew I needed to try it. The tea made from the calyces tastes a bit like Ribena.”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Seeds Per Package

• 3 g packet - Approximately 76 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 720 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 2,880 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 11,520 Seeds
• 5 lb - Approximately 57,600 Seeds