EFFECTS OF STAND DENSITY AND SOWING DATE ON THE GROWTH OF ROSELLE (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

Abstract

Field experiment were conducted during the wet seasons in 2005 and 2006 at Samuru in the
Northern Guinea Savanna to study the effect of varying number of plant per stand using 1,2,3,4
and 5 plants per stand and four sowing dates (30th July, and 14th July and August) on the growth
of Roselle. Factorial combinations of the treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete
Bock Design and replicated three times. The highest stand density of 5 plants per stand
significantly produces tallest plants, lowest number of leaves and branches. One plant per
stand generally improved the growth of the crop. Similarly, sowing Roselle in June also
resulted in good growth of the crop.