Water Needs: Roselle requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Water deeply, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging as it can lead to root rot.
Sunlight Needs: Full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Roselle thrives in bright, sunny conditions which are crucial for healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Time to Germinate: 7-14 days.
Seed Soaking: Soaking seeds overnight can improve germination rates and reduce the time required for sprouting.
Tray/Pot Recommendations: Start seeds in seed trays or small pots with good drainage. Transplant seedlings to larger pots or directly into the garden once they are large enough to handle. Roselle can grow in containers if space is limited.
Space Requirements: Space plants 45-60 centimeters apart to allow for their wide spread. Provide ample room for the plant to grow, as it can reach a height of 1.5-2.5 meters.
Temperature Requirements: Roselle thrives in warm temperatures between 20-35°C. It is a tropical plant and prefers consistently warm conditions.
Best Growing Season: In Thailand, roselle can be grown year-round. However, planting from March to August can take advantage of the warmer temperatures and ensure optimal growth.
Time to Harvest: 120-150 days. Harvest the red calyces when they are fully mature and have turned a deep red color. The calyces should be firm and can be harvested by cutting them from the plant.