Hibiscus

[chancethegardener]

Early this year I purchased some Hibiscus seeds from Renee's Garden (germination rate was superb) and grew a few plants to make tea. I was wondering if anyone grows Hibiscus for this purpose. Even though there are some directions on the seed package, I am not sure when to harvest the flowers because the fruit (seen in the picture below) keeps growing (blossom dropped last week). How should I do it?

[lakelady]

Wish I knew the answer, but is there a particular variety of hibiscus you grow for tea?

[chancethegardener]

Well, normally dried flowers are sold in stores (you can't find them in regular grocery stores-most probably you can find it in Turkish, Arabic or Mexican markets). I think the plant I am growing is the flowers we buy from those stores. You can find the seeds in the following link, if you are interested: http://www.reneesgarden.com/seeds/se...herbsC.htm#hib

[pinakbet]

Originally Posted by lakelady

Wish I knew the answer, but is there a particular variety of hibiscus you grow for tea?

that variety is called sorelle. the calyx is used in making teas, jams and flavorings.

[chancethegardener]

So, I shouldn't let the fruit inside grow, then. Immediately after the blossom drops, I should pick the calyx, is that correct?