How to Grow Hibiscus for Tea at Home

Hibiscus Sabdariffa

Deep red hibiscus tea is made from an infusion of hibiscus flower sepals and is high in vitamin C, among other vitamins and minerals, and is naturally a gentle diuretic. It is drunk around the world either hot or cold and some prefer to add spices and sweeten the tart flavor with sugar. To make your own hibiscus tea from scratch, you will first need to grow the flowers. Here is how to grow hibiscus and dry out the parts of the flowers you will need to make tea.

Things You'll Need

• Seeds Nursery beds or containers Irrigated soil Warm climate

Instructions

1. Choose the type of hibiscus flowers you want to grow. There are more than 200 known species of hibiscus flowers in the world but the species most commonly used for tea is hibiscus sabdariffa. Acquire seeds from a nursery or a seed distributor. Organic seeds are preferred.

2. Plant the seeds sometime between mid-May and early June. It is best to start them in nursery beds or well drained containers in a protected grow room if you live in a cooler climate. If you live in a warm climate you can start the seeds right in the ground. These flowers like warm, moist climates and will not survive a frost. In Julia F. Morton's book "Fruits of Warm Climates," she suggests that the flowers bloom best in temperatures from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Water the seeds regularly if you live in a region that gets little rain, but don't flood them, simply keep them moist at all times. If you have started the seeds in nursery containers you may transplant them to an outdoor bed when they are about 4 inches tall.

4. Monitor your plants so that you can pick the calyces (the sepals) at the proper time. They can take anywhere from 3 to 5 months to mature for the picking depending on your climate.

5. 

   Pick each calyx, which will be dried for the use of making tea, when they are ripe. A calyx or outer bunch of leaves protecting the bud of the flower will look bright and shiny when ready. These appear large and ready after the actual flower has fallen off. You should be able to just snap off the ones that are ready. Ones near the bottom of the plant will most likely become ready first.

6. 

   Wash the picked calyces and dry them in the sun or in a dehydrator.

7. Place a handful of the dried hibiscus pieces in a silk sachet and place in a mug. Pour boiling water over it and let steep several minutes. Add sugar if you like and drink hot or cold.

Resources

• Health benefits
• Organic hibiscus seeds for purchase