Hibiscus sabdariffa - the Hibiscus Tea plant!
HIBISCUS sabdariffa (aka “Roselle”, “Flor de Jamaica”.) Started from seed in February, these plants in the back yard have grown to about 8 feet high! Very little supplementary water was added, and no fertilizer, pesticides or other chemicals. Roselle can be grown from seed in USDA zones 8-11, and as far north as zone 6 if it’s started indoors and then transplanted outside. Growing roselle plants from cuttings is another option, though the resulting plants tend not to produce as many flowers, which is what they’re often grown for… sort of. The hibiscus-like flowers are beautiful, but it’s the calyx – the bright red sheath that opens up to reveal that flower – that is so prized for its flavor. Harvest the calyces when they’re still tender (...