Guide to growing garden plants - Malva Musk Mallow

Members of the Malva genus can be either hardy annuals or perennials.

They grow from between 60cm to 1.2M in height and carry cupped flowers of pink, white or purple.

They make great plants to grow in the garden border and bloom from Summer through to the first months of autumn.

Some common names for Malva include Musk Mallow, Hollyhock mallow and Curled Mallow.

How to grow Musk Mallow

Musk Mallow seeds can be sown outdoors in either early spring (before the last frost) or in early spring. Once sown the Musk Mallow (and other Malva members) seed should be covered. Ideally Malva plants like to grow in an area that is sunny, but can tolerate partially shaded areas in warm areas. The soil should be dry and have good drainage.

If you prefer to first grow Musk Mallow indoors then start growing them about 7 or 8 weeks in advance. They take from one to three weeks to germinate at about 21C. Once growing they should be transplanted into the garden at a spacing of 25 (small) to 60cm (large Malva species).

Caring for musk mallow - Malva

Members of the Malva genus such as Musk Mallow are easy to look after; they should be watered and fertilized frequently; Once the growing season is over in the autumn it is best to cut the Malva plants back to ground level. If you require more musk mallow but do not want to grow them from seeds then they can be propagated by taking cuttings in the spring, or by division of the plants in the autumn.