Hibiscus Herbal Tea Zinger

Herbal Tea Zinger Hibiscus Seeds

Cultivate the vibrant and versatile Herbal Tea Zinger Hibiscus (*Hibiscus sabdariffa*) and enjoy both its ornamental beauty and its ability to produce a delicious, ruby-colored tea. This special annual boasts attractive, lobed leaves and delicate creamy flowers that give way to the prized teardrop-shaped flower calyxes.

Once the blossoms fade, these calyxes are ready to be picked and air-dried, transforming into the key ingredient for a zesty tea with a floral, berry aroma and a refreshing, cranberry-like flavor. Packed with antioxidants, this Jamaican tea or Roselle is delightful on its own, served steaming hot or refreshingly iced, and can be further enhanced with a touch of lemon, a drizzle of honey, or your favorite fruit juice.

With approximately 30 seeds per packet, you can embark on a journey to create your own homemade herbal infusions.

Key Features of Herbal Tea Zinger Hibiscus

• Dual Purpose Beauty: Enjoy both its attractive foliage and creamy blossoms in the garden.
• Delicious Ruby Red Tea: Harvest and dry the calyxes to create a flavorful, antioxidant-rich herbal tea.
• Floral Berry Aroma: The dried calyxes infuse a tea with a delightful and fragrant aroma.
• Cranberry-Like Flavor: Experience the well-balanced, tart and refreshing taste of homemade hibiscus tea.
• Versatile Culinary Uses: Enjoy it hot, iced, or as a base for creative cocktails.
• Heat Loving Annual: Thrives in warm conditions, perfect for summer gardens.

Growing Your Herbal Tea Hibiscus

Start your Zinger Hibiscus seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor temperatures consistently reach 10°C (50°F). Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a seed starting mix. Maintain a very warm environment of 24 to 27°C (75 to 80°F) and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, providing a strong light source for healthy seedling development.

Once seedlings reach 2 inches tall, transplant them into individual 4-inch pots and feed them every 2 weeks with half-strength liquid fertilizer until the weather warms and nighttime temperatures stay above 13°C (55°F).

Gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them 8 to 12 inches apart in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil amended with compost or aged manure. Pinch the tops when plants are 10 inches tall to encourage bushier growth.

For container growing, choose pots at least 18 inches in diameter and 16 to 18 inches tall.