Hibiscus sabdariffa, regionally referred to as sorrel, is a popular annual fruiting crop in the Caribbean. During the winter holiday season, sorrel calyxes are used for making flavorful and refreshing deep crimson red juices and teas. Through years of breeding and selection among Caribbean and African lines, from Ghana and Nigeria, the University of the Virgin Islands developed and released two new cultivar “Midnite” and “Festival”. “Midnite” has 20% greater production over standard Caribbean cultivars. The dark crimson-black calyxes, of both new cultivars, are full of anthocyanins and bioflavonoids. “Festival” begins bearing a month earlier than photoperiodic cultivars and production can extend to early May. Being day-neutral, “Midnite” can be grown year-round but has heavier production during late summer to late Spring. “Midnite” is being widely used in the U.S. Virgin Islands and has potential to expand its use in other commercial industries.
