Growing and Promoting Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) as a Cash Crop for the Small-Scale Farmer in Alabama’s Black Belt

Commodities

Practices

The proposed solution to the problem is to establish a model for sustainable Roselle cultivation that demonstrates the feasibility and profitability of growing this crop in Zone 8B. The project aims to close the gap in domestic production of Roselle by introducing it as a viable specialty crop for the Southern U.S., where traditional crops may struggle due to water and soil limitations. By utilizing Roselle’s drought tolerance and low fertility needs, the project will provide an alternative that minimizes resource use while maximizing economic returns for small-scale farmers.

The approach will involve on-farm research, education, and demonstration to promote the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices. The project will encompass the entire production process, from seed starting in a greenhouse to harvesting and processing calyces for fresh, dried, or value-added products. The goal is to generate at least $5,000 in profit during the first year to demonstrate economic viability. Educational outreach will target local farmers, teaching them practical techniques for low-input farming, and marketing strategies for specialty crops.

This solution is relevant to the region's agricultural sustainability because it addresses key issues such as water conservation, soil health, and economic resilience. By adding low-input specialty crop production, farmers can achieve a more sustainable balance between agricultural productivity and environmental preservation.

The methodology for this project involves a combination of field trials, cover crop experiments, on-farm demonstrations, and educational outreach.

Field Trials

The key steps are as follows:

1. Site Preparation and Planting: Roselle seeds will be started in a greenhouse, and seedlings will be transplanted in April 2025 after the last frost. The 1/4 acre plot will be prepared and the plants will be spaced in 2 foot spacing in rows and each row 8 feet apart to optimize growth, for a total of approximately 600 plants. If all goes well then in year 2 we would increase plantings to 1200 plants.
2. Irrigation and Maintenance: The crop will rely on natural rainfall to meet its irrigation needs, showcasing Roselle's suitability for water-scarce environments. Minimal maintenance will include organic pest control measures and soil monitoring to ensure optimal conditions.
3. Harvesting and Processing: Harvesting will begin in September and continue bi-weekly for multiple rounds. The labor-intensive nature of calyx clipping and de-seeding will provide opportunities for local employment. Products will include fresh calyces, dried tea, jams, and wine.
4. Measurement and Data Collection: The project will track yield, input costs, labor requirements, and sales revenue to assess economic feasibility. Soil and product quality will be measured through lab testing to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
5. Outreach and Training: The project will host field days, workshops, and distribute educational materials to share findings and promote best practices for sustainable Roselle farming.

Cover Crop Experiment

To evaluate the effect of a cover crop on hibiscus yield and soil nutrient levels, the following experimental procedure will be implemented. This study will use a randomized block design (RBD) across six plots: three plots will serve as treatment plots with a cover crop, and three as control plots without. Each plot will act as a replicate, organized into three rows of five plants each. Plants within each row will be spaced 2 feet apart, with 10 feet between rows to ensure sufficient separation. In each plot, the two outer rows will serve as guard rows, while the middle row will be designated for data collection. In the middle row, two plants one at each end will also act as guards, with data collected solely from the three central plants.

The experiment will be managed using organic farming practices, with consistent management applied across all plots. Prior to planting, soil samples from each plot will be collected and analyzed to establish baseline nutrient and moisture levels. In the treatment plots, a cover crop (ladino clover or crimson clover) will be sown between rows four weeks before the main hibiscus crop. These cover crops are selected for their shade tolerance and attractiveness to honeybees.. Control plots, however, will be left bare.

Hibiscus seedlings initially grown in a nursery, will then be transplanted into the field. Throughout the experiment, daily records of soil moisture will be maintained. At the end of the study, data on soil moisture levels, hibiscus calyx yield, and soil nutrient content will be collected. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be conducted using Origin Pro 2024.