How to Grow Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris)

Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris) is part of the large family of Malvaceae plants that include cotton, okra and hibiscus. It is an edible plant that has been used for many years for it's medicinal care, and has been used as well as food.

All parts of this plant are edible.

Plant Description

Common Mallow is a genus of about 30 species of annuals, biennials and perennials. Native to Europe, northern Africa and Asia.  The plant grow from a long, tough taproot that allow it to survive in harsh, dry soil conditions, and that's is why we often see  little pretty green mallows popping up along  driveways, or roadsides. The plant produces beautiful cup-shaped flowers. 

Common mallow plants flower from early spring to mid fall. The flowers have five petals and vary in color from pink to purple and white.

The plant can grow from 20 to 70 cm in length.

How to Grow Common Mallow

Mallow is highly nutritious. This plant is rich in vitamins A, B, and C, along with calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It's young leaves have one of the highest amounts of vitamin A in any vegetable. That's why growing this amazing plant will add beauty, color to your garden, and so many benefits to you health!

Mallow is a delightful plant for the garden. It is easy to grow and needs almost no work once established. The plant is drought tolerant and can grow on most soils as long as they are well drained. 

Spring is definitely the best possible time to sow the seeds. So wait until last frost and sow the seeds where you choose it to grow.

Lightly push the seed into the soil and water well.

Common mallow is an easy plant to grow and the seeds tend to germinate quickly. Germination is best between 53 - 68°F (15-20°C). New sprouts grow as basal rosettes.

Soon the leaves  will be similar to those of big plants. 

Common Mallow Plant Care

Common mallow plants  grow best with a constant supply of water. Water regularly during droughts. For a bushier plant growth, pinch back growing tips after the plant reaches 12", add mulch around the plants to hold moister and to keep weeds down.

Harvesting Common Mallow

You can harvest the Leaves in spring when leaf production is at its greatest, the flowers from late spring , the seed pods from early summer, and  usually the Roots are harvested in the fall after plants have gone dormant.

Please let us know your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below. If you like this, you can share with your  friends! 

Big Selection of Mallow Seeds from Here!

Happy Gardening!