Jamaican Sorrel, Zobo, Bissap Roselle Hibiscus Seeds (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Tropical blooms + tangy calyces for drinks, teas & jams. Vibrant Hibiscus is a must-grow superfood!
Minimum: 25+ Seeds
Bring a taste of the tropics into your garden with Jamaican Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa), also known as Zobo, Bissap, or Roselle Hibiscus. This vibrant plant is cherished around the world for its brilliant red calyces, which are harvested to make refreshing teas, festive holiday drinks, jams, sauces, and even natural food coloring. Known for its tart, cranberry-like flavor, Hibiscus sabdariffa is more than just beautiful, it’s a nutrient-packed superfood rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals.
A symbol of celebration and wellness, Roselle Hibiscus has been used for centuries across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America. Whether you call it Jamaican Sorrel punch, Zobo drink, or Bissap, the tradition remains the same: a ruby-red infusion that brings people together with its refreshing tang and health benefits.
🌱 Why Grow Jamaican Sorrel (Roselle Hibiscus)?
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Multi-use harvest – Enjoy stunning hibiscus blooms, tangy edible calyces, and ornamental beauty in your garden.
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Global culinary treasure – Used in Caribbean Christmas sorrel drinks, African Bissap, Nigerian Zobo, Mexican agua de Jamaica, and Thai hibiscus tea.
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Nutritional powerhouse – Rich in vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants that support immunity and overall wellness.
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Heat-loving & resilient – Thrives in warm climates and adapts well to container growing.
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Cultural connection – Grow a plant that connects traditions from Africa to the Caribbean, Asia to Latin America.
🌸 Growing Jamaican Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Hibiscus sabdariffa is an annual shrub in warm climates but can be grown in containers or greenhouses in cooler regions.
How to Grow:
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Start Indoors: For best results, start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Soak seeds overnight to speed germination.
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Planting Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in warm, well-draining soil.
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Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors once the soil warms and nighttime temperatures stay above 60°F. Space 2–3 feet apart.
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Sun & Soil: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily) and rich, loamy soil with good drainage.
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Watering: Moderate, consistent watering. Avoid waterlogging.
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Harvest: Calyces (the fleshy red part at the base of flowers) are ready 10–12 weeks after flowering, usually late summer to fall.
🌡️ Zones: Perennial in USDA Zones 9–11. Grown as an annual in cooler zones.
⏳ Days to Maturity: ~150 days from transplanting.
🍹 Culinary Uses
Roselle Hibiscus is a culinary superstar, adding tang and color to countless recipes:
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Beverages: Brew into hibiscus tea, Caribbean Sorrel Punch, African Bissap, or Nigerian Zobo drink.
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Jams & Jellies: The tart calyces make delicious spreads with a cranberry-like flavor.
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Holiday Recipes: In the Caribbean, Jamaican Sorrel punch is a festive Christmas tradition, often made with ginger, cloves, and rum.
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Sauces & Syrups: Use hibiscus syrup for cocktails, desserts, or savory glazes.
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Natural Food Coloring: Provides a deep, ruby-red hue without artificial dyes.
🌿 Medicinal & Nutritional Benefits
Hibiscus sabdariffa has long been valued in herbal medicine:
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Supports heart health – Studies suggest hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure.
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Boosts immunity – Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
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Aids digestion – Traditionally used as a mild digestive tonic.
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Detoxifying & hydrating – Refreshing tea helps cool the body in hot climates.
Note: Always consult a healthcare provider before using hibiscus medicinally.
🌎 A Plant with Global Heritage
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West Africa: Known as Bissap, the national drink of Senegal.
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Caribbean: Celebrated as Sorrel, especially at Christmas.
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Nigeria & Ghana: Brewed into Zobo, a spiced hibiscus drink.
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Mexico & Latin America: Used in Agua de Jamaica, a sweet hibiscus agua fresca.
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Asia: Valued for cooling teas and herbal remedies.
Wherever it grows, Roselle Hibiscus brings communities together with its vivid red drinks and healing properties.
🏡 Perfect For
✔ Home gardens & tropical-themed landscapes
✔ Container growing on patios & balconies
✔ Cultural gardens & traditional food enthusiasts
✔ Herbalists & home remedy makers
✔ Crafters of jams, teas, and artisanal beverages
🌟 Product Details
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Seed Type: Jamaican Sorrel / Zobo / Bissap Roselle Hibiscus
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Scientific Name: Hibiscus sabdariffa
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Plant Type: Annual (perennial in zones 9–11)
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Sun Requirement: Full sun
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Soil: Rich, loamy, well-draining
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Spacing: 2–3 ft apart
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Maturity: 150 days from transplant
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Harvest: Calyces, leaves, and flowers
✨ Grow your own Jamaican Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and experience the flavor, color, and tradition cherished around the world. From festive holiday drinks to immune-boosting teas, this plant offers a taste of culture and wellness right from your garden.