The effect of different sowing times on calyx yield and quality of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) plants under Çukurova conditions

This research was conducted at the experimental area of Field Crops Department, Agricultural Faculty of Cukurova University in 2013, to determine the effects of different sowing date (1 March, 1 April, 1 May 2013) on yield and quality of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). Field trial was arranged in randomized blocks design with three replications. According the result the highest plant height (2.79 m), number of stem per plant (17.40), fresh fruit weight per plant (42.03 g), dry fruit weight per plant (4.32 g), fresh fruit calyx weight per plant (164.35 g), dry fruit calyx weight per plant (16.37 g), fresh fruit yield (11.68 kg/da), dry fruit yield (1.20 kg/da), fresh fruit calyx yield (45.65 kg/da), dry fruit calyx yield (4.55 kg/da) were obtained from sowing date of May (1 May 2013) and second harvest time (4 December 2013). Ascorbic acid content in fresh calyx, which is one of the most important for quality, was significiantly change according to sown date and harvest time. The highest ascorbic acid content (26.27 mg/100g) were obtained from sowing date of April (1st April 2013) and the second harvest time (4th December 2013).