How to Grow Hibiscus in Australia
A warm-season flower crop for the home garden
Growing Hibiscus at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. They are rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$5-10/week on hibiscus tea. One plant produces hundreds of calyces.
This guide covers when to plant Hibiscus in your region, the position and soil they like, how to sow and space them, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Hibiscus are a warm-season crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland they are sown in September, October and November. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
The edible hibiscus. Red calyces make hibiscus tea, jam and cordial. Fast-growing annual in warm zones.
Try: Green Harvest, Eden Seeds, Diggers
Native Rosella
Hibiscus heterophyllus. Australian native. Edible white-pink flowers and young leaves.
Try: Daleys, native nurseries
Position and Soil
Give Hibiscus full sun (at least 6 hours a day). They do best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. They grow happily in a pot of 40cm+, which makes them a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 1 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 150 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 20 and 30 degrees.
Hibiscus sabdariffa (rosella) and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Rosella calyces are the "hibiscus tea" ingredient. Ornamental hibiscus flowers are also edible. Rosella grows as a warm-season annual in most of Australia. Calyces harvested after flowers drop. Makes brilliant jam, cordial and tea.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 6 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Aphids, Mealybug and Hibiscus beetle. The main diseases to watch are Leaf spot and Dieback. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Hibiscus are typically ready to harvest in around 120 days (about 4 months). Dry calyces and store in a sealed jar for 12+ months. Fresh fridge 1 week.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, hibiscus are good calyces brewed as hibiscus tea, made into rosella jam and cordial, calyces added to gin and cocktails and flowers used as a tangy garnish. Nutritionally: very high in vitamin C and antioxidants and traditionally used to lower blood pressure.
Companion Planting
Hibiscus grow well alongside Tropical plants. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Hibiscus Growing
Add hibiscus to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hibiscus in Australia?
Hibiscus are a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland they are sown in September, October and November. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Hibiscus take to grow?
Hibiscus are generally ready to harvest in around 120 days (about 4 months).
Can I grow Hibiscus in a pot?
Yes. Hibiscus grow well in a container of 40cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Hibiscus need?
Give they full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Hibiscus in the Plant Library
