Roselle Plant: Hibiscus Tea from the Garden

If you’ve ever sipped a ruby-red hibiscus tea, you’ve probably already met the roselle plant without realizing it. Known botanically as Hibiscus sabdariffa, roselle is a tropical annual loved for its tart, cranberry-like flavor and gorgeous crimson calyxes. Easy to grow in warm climates, it’s both a stunning garden plant and a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.

What Is Roselle?

Roselle is a relative of ornamental hibiscus, but instead of big showy flowers, it’s prized for the fleshy red calyx (the cup-like structure around the seed pod). These calyxes are harvested and dried or used fresh to make teas, jams, sauces, and more. We enjoy eating them right off the branch, too. 

Native to Africa and naturalized across the tropics, roselle thrives in hot, humid weather and is especially well-suited to gardens in the southern United States, including Florida.

Growing Roselle in Your Garden

• Planting: Start roselle from seed once the soil is warm (70°F+). Direct sow or transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost.
  
• Space: Give them room—plants can grow 4–7 feet tall and just as wide.
  
• Care: Full sun, regular watering, and well-drained soil are key. Roselle is fairly low-maintenance once established.
• Harvest: After flowering, the calyxes are ready to pick when they’re plump, bright red, and still tender—usually about 3 weeks after the flower drops.

Traditional and Modern Uses of Roselle

Roselle has been enjoyed around the world for centuries:

• Teas & Beverages: Known as agua de Jamaica in Latin America, bissap in West Africa, and sorrel drink in the Caribbean.
  
• Jams & Jellies: The natural pectin in roselle makes it perfect for preserves.
  
• Sauces & Chutneys: Adds tang to savory dishes, similar to cranberry sauce.
  
• Fresh in Salads: Young calyxes and leaves can be eaten raw or lightly cooked.
  
• Dried: Once dried, roselle calyxes store well and can be used year-round.
  

What can you do with Roselle at home? Here’s a recipe to try:

Recipe: Refreshing Roselle Hibiscus Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh roselle calyxes (or 1 cup dried)
  
• 6 cups water
  
• 2–4 tablespoons sugar or honey (to taste)
  
• Optional: slice of fresh ginger, squeeze of lime, or a few mint leaves
  
  

Instructions:

1. Rinse fresh calyxes and remove seed pods.
   
2. In a pot, bring water to a boil and add the calyxes (plus ginger if using).
   
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the water turns deep red.
   
4. Strain and sweeten to taste.
   
5. Chill for iced tea or enjoy warm. Add lime or mint before serving if desired.
   

This tart, tangy tea is refreshing on a hot day and packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.

More Ways to Use Roselle in the Kitchen

• Roselle Jam: Cook calyxes with sugar and a little water until thickened. Spread on toast or pair with cheese.
  
• Savory Glaze: Reduce roselle tea with honey or brown sugar into a syrupy glaze for roasted meats.
  
• Fermented Drinks: Use dried calyxes to flavor kombucha or shrubs.
• Baked Goods: Add chopped, candied roselle to muffins, breads, or scones.