Roselle in Zone 5a & 5b
Hibiscus sabdariffa
When to plant roselle in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Roselle needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Mar 15–Mar 22 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 24–May 31 |
| Estimated harvest | Oct 21–Oct 28 (~150 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: about 10 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 4-7 ft.
Roselle is grown for the fleshy red calyx left behind when the flower drops, which is what red hibiscus tea is made from. Almost everything about its timing is late.
How roselle fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Roselle needs about 150 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Roselle.
Where to buy roselle seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing roselle" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 5b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Roselle in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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