Guide to growing Prairie Mallow - Sidalcea

Members of the Sidalcea genus are hardy perennials that range from 60cm to 2.5M in height.

They have lobed leaves and carry purple, white or pink flowers similar to hollyhock atop loon erect stems.

Sidalcea blooms throughout summer. Some common names for Sidalcea include Prairie mallow, False mallow, Miniature hollyhock and Checkerbloom.

How to grow Prairie mallow

When growing Sidalcea species such as Prairie mallow outdoors from seeds then sow at a depth of about 3mm in the early spring. Small varieties of Sidalcea should be spaced at a bout 25cm apart and larger species at 50cm apart. These mallows like to grow in sunny areas of the garden that have an average soil.

If starting Sidalcea species indoors then start the process about two months before the last frost. The prairie mallow seeds should take from two to seven weeks to germinate at a temperature of 10 degrees centigrade. Once ready transplant the young Sidalcea plants outdoors following the last frost.

Caring for prairie mallow and other Sidalcea plants

Sidalcea species such as prairie mallow and miniature hollyhock are very easy to care for. The soil that Sidalcea grows in should be enriched with manure; they should be watered in prolonged dry spells. As many Sidalcea plants are tall they will require staking. Once flowering has finished strongly cut back, this will result in a second bloom. If you require more False Mallow plants then they can be propagated by division in the autumn.