We learn something new with every new plant that gets planted. For one, we learn whether it is possible for us to grow it (!), and for two, we observe what it looks like in the various stages as it develops.

Beyond its many names, Roselle— a.k.a. Jamaican sorrel, Florida Cranberry, Indian Sorrel, Jamaican Tea, Maple-Leaf Hibiscus, October Hibiscus, Red Sorrell and Sudanese Tea— is an interesting plant. It can be grown as an annual or a perennial, depending on the grow zone. In zones 8 through 11, it behaves as a perennial while in zones 3 through 7, it is an annual. We’re in zone 6 so we’re expecting it to grow as an annual outdoors and a perennial indoors (note: the annual temperatures are increasing so the plants will respond).

Roselle flowers are expected to bloom in October and fruits should then mature in November and December, depending on the grow zone. Our indoor roselle plants were seeded in mid-September and they are already over four inches tall. So we’re looking forward to seeing what happens over the next few months.

Recently, we posted about plant leaf confusion, and how some plants look alike. The interesting thing we found out about roselle is that it looks like okra when it is growing. In fact, the head planter (me!) thought okra seeds were planted by mistake. It’s easy to see the difference as the leaves take shape, but for the first few weeks, the two were almost identical.

After doing a bit of online research, it turns out that roselle and okra both belong to the mallow (Malvacae) family, which also includes cacao and cotton. In other words, these two cultivars belong to a very important agricultural family.

As we continue on this gardening journey, we will certainly learn more and more about the herbs, vegetables and flowers that we grow and sell. We hope you will come along with us for this ride!

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ColorBlindWork | People. Plants. Purpose. shares the mission is to get as many people growing their own food. We are part of a greater movement that is creating a new economy where healthy citizens thrive.