Hibiscus sabdariffa - Guinea Sorrel seeds

Guinea Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a tropical plant that can be cultivated in our climates as an annual, by taking care to plant it in a warm location, in light and humus-bearing soil with regular watering according to the climate's needs. It offers a superb summer flowering on an elegant bush with graceful foliage. It is a plant that is a source of benefits. The leaves can be consumed as a vegetable and the flowers, aromatic and sweet, are the basis for many uses, in cooking, in infusion or as a refreshing drink, Bissap.

Guinea Sorrel, in Latin Hibiscus sabdariffa, has different names depending on the countries where it is produced. For example, in Martinique and Guadeloupe, it is called: groseille pays; in Egypt and Mexico, it is called: Karakandji. Thus, it can commonly be called: Roselle, Christmas Berry, Karkadé, Bissap, Carcadet, Abyssinian Rose Tea, Empire Tea, Flor de Jamaïca. It belongs to the Malvaceae family, like Hollyhock, Marshmallow, and Mallow. Originally from Guinea, it grows and is produced in tropical regions of Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Thailand...), West Africa (Senegal, Benin, Togo, Niger...), and Mexico. It is a herbaceous shrub that does not tolerate temperatures below 8°C (46.4°F) well, which is why in our climates, it is cultivated as an annual to be sown every year. It forms a dense and ramified clump that can reach 1.80 to 2m (6 to 7ft) in height and 1.20 m (4ft) in spread. The reddish branches bear green leaves, with 3 or 5 lobes, lanceolate, alternate, 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, with very pronounced red-purple veins at the base and a red petiole as well. The flowers, about 8cm (3in) in diameter, open in a corolla composed of 5 pale pink petals tinged with yellow towards the centre, surrounding a dark purple heart. At maturity, after the petals fall, a swollen and fleshy purple calyx remains attached. It contains fruits in the form of capsules, with 25 to 35 seeds, brown, round, 3 to 4mm (0in) in size, inside.

Of rapid growth, Guinea Sorrel is very decorative with its flowering in July-August and remains so throughout the autumn with its large fruits that persist on the plant until late in the season. Although it can be cultivated for its ornamental values alone, it offers many benefits for the body. Their properties have been known for millennia. The Mayas of the highlands to the west of Guatemala have been using it for a long time and in Africa, it is used in traditional medicine. As a vegetable, the leaves and young shoots can be consumed raw or cooked. The flavours, both sweet, acidic, and fruity, of the flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa are very similar to those of Chiloé Pepper (Drimys winteri). Rich in vitamin C and a source of antioxidants, the dried red calyces are highly appreciated in infusion. Moreover, these infusions can be used to flavour sauces or jams. The flowers bring a sweet taste to pastries, crème brûlée, or custard. This plant is credited with many medicinal virtues, including actions on obesity, the urinary system, and diabetes.

Bissap is a rosy red, fruity, and tangy drink, made from the flowers (petals and calyces) of Guinea Sorrel. Very refreshing, it can be consumed cold or hot. In West Africa, this widely popular drink is called: karkadé or carcadé. Easy to prepare, simply infuse the equivalent of 3 tablespoons of Guinea Sorrel flowers in 100ml of water, either brought to a boil for 15 minutes or left in cold water for about ten hours. To flavor Bissap, ginger or mint can be added.

Hibiscus sabdariffa can be sown from March to May in a heated shelter, and then transplanted into open ground from June when the soil is warmer. It can be grown in a pot, which will allow it to be brought inside for the winter. The plant freezes at 0°C (32°F). This exotic plant grows quickly. It can be placed individually, on the lawn, in a summer flower bed, taking into account its height, or in a pot on a terrace, being careful with watering. Its very melliferous flowers attract pollinating insects in the garden. It requires warmth and sunlight, in cool, well-drained, and humus-bearing soil. During the summer, not tolerating drought, a lack of water can be devastating. In our climates, in the fall, during the fruiting period, excess water should be monitored. For consumption, the flowers are harvested as they bloom. In order to ensure future sowing, the seeds are collected at the end of autumn.

The gardener's little tip: Guinea Sorrel is quite sensitive to red spider mites, a family of mites, as well as aphids. To combat these pests, spray a solution based on black soap (asphyxiation action) or baking soda (repellent action) or white vinegar (repellent action in case of mild infestation).