Florida Cranberry Sauce & Roselle Growing Workshop

Florida Cranberry Sauce & Roselle Growing Workshop

Saturday, October 18 , 2025

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Instructor: Dawson Amico

Discover the vibrant world of Roselle—also known as Florida cranberry—in this hands-on class that blends gardening, culinary creativity, and seasonal celebration. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just dipping your toes into food gardening, this workshop will guide you through cultivating Roselle in Florida’s unique climate and transforming its tart, ruby-red calyces into a delicious homemade cranberry-style sauce. 

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) thrives in Florida’s warm sunny season and has deep roots in Afro-Caribbean culture and traditional homesteading. Its calyces are packed with flavor and natural pectin, making them perfect for jams, teas, and festive sauces. You’ll learn how to grow this stunning plant from seed to harvest, and how to turn it into a tropical twist on a holiday classic. 

Learn About: 

• How to grow Roselle in Florida’s climate zones (best planting times, care tips, and pest management) 

• The culinary versatility of Roselle: from teas and jams to sauces and festive drinks 

• History of how Roselle was brought to the Americas 

• Step by step instructions and demonstration for making Florida Cranberry Sauce with fresh Roselle 

• Seed saving and seasonal planning for your spring garden 

At the end of the class, you’ll get to take home a jar of homemade Florida Cranberry Sauce, a packet of Roselle seeds to plant in your own garden next spring, and a printed recipe to keep the tradition alive.  

Registration includes admission to the beautiful Gardens before or after class.

Dawson Amico lives in Orlando, FL (growing zone 9B/10A) and is passionate about growing food and habitat restoration. He co-founded Monarch Urban Farm, a native, edible, and medicinal plant nursery in Oviedo. As the former Fleet Farming Manager, Dawson managed 15 front yard micro-farms and orchards, overseeing crop planning, seasonal rotation, and farmers market operations. He also developed and taught hands-on classes known as Living Learning Classes. Now, as the founder of Hospitable Harvests, Dawson shares his knowledge and passion for sustainable growing, offering guidance and maintenance to gardeners at any stage of their journey.

Participants must withdraw from classes at least 5 days prior to the start of class in order to receive a full refund or credit. If we must cancel a class, we will make every effort to inform you prior to the class time, and you will receive a full refund or credit.

Only those registered for the class will be permitted in the classroom. Childcare services are not provided

Host or Publisher Harry P. Leu Gardens