Roselle is an emerging herbal crop produced with little use of chemical fertilizer and insecticide. It is an annual plant normally propagated from seed but may be propagated from cuttings as well. It can grow up to 2.25M high and produces white to yellow flowers.it is grown mainly for calyx which is high in vitamin C and dietary fibre. It is a short-day plant species, normally planting is done in early spring and as well as deep-rooted plant.
VARIETIES
sabdariffa with bushy, strongly branching habit
altissima wester with taller, usually unbranched habit
USES/IMPORTANCE OF GROWING ROSELL
Calyx used to prepare herbal drinks, beverages, pastes, sweets, syrup, ice creams, flavouring, wine preparation, jams and jellies.
Roselle tea is used to suppress high blood pressure
Juice is used to treat conjunctivitis; leaves are applied as a poultice to treat cold sores and ulcers.
Its manufacturing residues can produce vinegar of very good quality
The young leaves and tender stems can be eaten raw in salad or cooked as a vegetable alone or in a combination with other local vegetables, fish and meat.
Roselle seeds contain 17% oil. The seeds can be used in soap and cosmetics industries. Oil can also be extracted and used for cooking.
The seeds are roasted as snacks or ground into meal to make cakes
It is valued for mild laxative effects, ability to increase urination, relief during hot weather and treatment of cracks in the feet and wounds.
ECOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS Altitude; 900 above sea level Rainfall; 400-500 mm throughout the growing seasons Temperature; 18-35 0C with optimum of 250C Soil;
Well drained fertile soil with organic matter and Ph. of 4.5- 8.0 Well-drained, neutral sandy loams, rich in humus; does not tolerate waterlogging.
PROPAGATION AND PRODUCTION PERIOD Roselle can be easily raised from seeds that germinate easily and therefore can be planted direct in the field. However due to pests and diseases that might attack the seeds/seedlings in the field, it is advised to raise them in pots before transplanting them. Seedlings can be raised in the pots/nursery bed after about 4 weeks with a height of 7-10cm N/B the plant can be raised outdoors on the ground or in a container as long as it receives direct sunlight. Intercropping is also encouraged i.e. sweet potato, groundnuts, cow Pease etc. Land preparation; It is a deep-rooted crop that requires deep ploughing. Seed rate 6-8kg/ha Planting; direct planting/ transplanting from pots or container to the field is done at the beginning of the rainy season. Plant 2 seeds/hole at about 2.5cm depth. After the 2 seeds have picked up, you can separate them and plant them somewhere. Spacing; 80-100cm (1M) in the rows and 60-80 cm apart (roughly 1M). Manure; 500-100kg/acre during planting. Folia feeds can also be used Weeding’s; ensure your farm is free from weeds Pests and diseases and how to control Pests; insects can be controlled by spraying appropriate pesticides from any agro vet Diseases; stem rot & root rot can be controlled by monitoring water level and avoid planting of other crops that are prone to those diseases. N/B in most cases the only affected areas are leaves.
HARVESTING Calyces are ready for harvesting 20 days after flowering and takes 4-6 months to reach maturity when taken good care of Inner seedpods should be still green when fruit is picked although fruits can remain on the plant until the pods mature and seed diaspore. Young shoots and leaves are harvested when required.
NOTE; supplementary watering during drought seasons is necessary
If you are interested and in need of Roselle juice or seeds contact Us through; 0703664269
Follow us on our social media platforms:
website: https://www.twendepamoja.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/twendendhiwa