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When is the best time to plant hollyhocks


How to Plant & Grow Hollyhocks (Alcea)

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Sarah Raven
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complete growing guide

When you think of a British cottage garden, you think of hollyhocks. Their tall, towering stems can line a path, stand either side of a gate or bring height and colour to the back of a border. They are wonderful plants that flower all summer long, and no country-style garden is complete without them. With their open, saucer flowers splashed all the way up their jack-and-the-bean-stalk stems, they will bring as much joy to you as they do to the butterflies and bumblebees. They come in some brilliant colours, which you can find in our selection of hollyhock plants.

details

calendar

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Sow Under Cover/Plant Indoors

Direct Sow/Plant Outdoors

Flowers/Harvest

how to grow hollyhocks

where to grow hollyhocks

Soil type: Hollyhocks prefer well-drained soil.

Aspect & position: Find a bright spot for these sun-loving plants. A sheltered position is preferred and planting them along a fence or a wall will give them protection and reduce the chance of them blowing over in strong winds.

when to plant hollyhocks

The best time to sow hollyhock seeds undercover is April and May. You can sow the seeds directly outdoors in May and June. If you have bought hollyhocks as plants in pots or raised them from seed, they can be planted out May to July. They flower the following year after planting.

how to plant hollyhocks

sowing hollyhock seeds

Hollyhock seeds should be sown undercover in April and May. The seeds can also be sown directly outdoors in May and June.

If you’re planting seeds undercover, fill a tray with compost and water it well to ensure that it is consistently moist. If you water after sowing, the water can move the seeds about and they might end up bunching together.

Sow the large seeds individually, spacing about an 5cm (2in) apart on the compost surface. Don't push the seed, leave them on the surface so they are clearly visible as you continue to sow. When the tray is full, cover lightly with compost.

Place the tray in a warm spot to germinate. You don't need light at this stage. I cover seed trays with an empty, opened out compost bag to keep in warmth and moisture and to speed up the germination process. After about a week, check trays every morning and night for germination. Once this starts, remove the light-excluding plastic.

Hollyhocks take around 10-14 days to germinate and then another 3-4 weeks before they're ready for pricking out. If roots are showing at the base of the tray, they're ready to move on.

pricking out hollyhock seedlings

To prick out, handle only the seed leaves, not the stem (which bruises very easily). Get a pencil (or stiff plant label) right under each plant and try to tease out every individual seedling, roots and all.

Place each seedling into its own pot of peat-free compost, firm down and water. The ideal spot for growing on has maximum all-round light. Ideally, plants should have warm roots but cool tops.

Hollyhocks will be ready for planting out in the garden by June, but won't flower well until the following year. If you get the odd plant trying to flower sooner, snip off the flower spike. This helps the roots to get established before the demands of flowering begin – otherwise you might end up with a weaker plant and that could lead to more trouble with rust.

planting hollyhock plants

If you have bought your hollyhocks as plug plants, pot them up in larger pots and allow them to establish a good root system before planting in the ground. If you have bought hollyhocks in larger containers with established root systems, plant them outdoors May-July, or alternatively in autumn. Space them around 60cm (2ft) apart.

To help the plant establish well, sprinkle mycorrhizal fungi (Rootgrow) onto the roots of the plant before placing in the planting hole. Water well after planting.

growing hollyhocks in a pot

The essential thing to know with hollyhocks grown in containers is that they need plenty of room. Hollyhocks have long taproots as well as lateral roots that need space, so the deeper the pot, the better. Containers with a barrel-like shape work best.

Young hollyhock plants can be planted into containers over summer. Add a stake to each plant to give it some support. Water them a few times a week, particularly if the weather is warm, as containers will dry out quickly in a drought.

Just remember that in the first year your hollyhock plant will be establishing its roots and foliage, and it will go on to flower in its second year.

how to care for hollyhocks

watering

Water newly planted hollyhocks and seedlings regularly. Once the plant is established, you can reduce watering but make sure they are watered in a drought.

fertilising

If you have good soil with plenty of nutrients, hollyhocks won’t need any extra feed. Hollyhocks growing in containers will need regular feeding with a liquid fertiliser.

staking

Hollyhocks are naturally tall and at risk of blowing over in strong winds. If you plant them along a wall or a fence, they should be well protected, but if you need to, add a cane to support each flower spike.

deadheading

Hollyhocks self-seed readily if you allow the flowerheads to go to seed. If you don’t want this to happen (and you don’t want to collect the seed), you can cut the flower spikes at the base of the stem once flowering is over.

propagating

You can allow hollyhocks to naturally self-sow, or you can wait for the seedheads to go brown and dry and then collect the seed – you can sow this in spring to make new plants.

Hollyhocks that have sprung up of their own volition will often creep to the sunny, open front of the bed. Watch out for this and dig some up and put them further back out of the limelight to get a balanced sweep. 

Don't transfer them directly, though – they need a short spell of TLC. So dig up self-sown seedlings and pot them into a 9cm (3.5in) pot. Once the roots have filled it, plant them in the garden.

overwintering

Hollyhocks are fully hardy and don’t need to be protected over winter.

seasonal checklist

spring

summer

autumn

winter

pests, diseases & common issues

rust

Hollyhocks are prone to rust. Rust fungus forms little pustules on the underside of hollyhock basal leaves and often spreads from there up the stem. 

You can use strong fungicides to tackle rust, but you can also work to manage the problem organically. You should pick off affected leaves as soon as you spot them. Ensure there is good air circulation around the plants and water the soil around the plant (not the plant itself) as the fungal spores can be spread by water splash. You can also make a chive tonic by decomposing chive leaves in water – this is an effective natural fungicide.

At the end of summer, make sure all dead and diseased leaves are cut back and disposed of, but don’t compost them as the fungal spores could spread. 

how to treat rust on hollyhocks? 

You can use strong fungicides to tackle rust, but you can also work to manage the problem organically.

why are my hollyhocks not flowering?

Many hollyhocks are biennials, so in the first year the plant will be establishing its roots and foliage, and it will go on to flower, set seed and die in its second year.

why are my hollyhocks falling over?

Hollyhocks can reach over 2m (6.5ft), so if they are growing in an exposed position, give each plant a stake for support.  

why are my hollyhocks turning yellow?

Hollyhocks are prone to rust and this can show up as yellow spots on the leaves. But yellow leaves can also indicate overwatering or water-logged soil.

what animal eats hollyhocks?

Deer are said to love hollyhocks, so you might find that they have munched them while you weren’t looking.

frequently asked questions

how do you transplant hollyhocks?

Hollyhocks have long taproots, making them hard to transplant. If you have a young plant that has sprung up you can dig up the self-sown seedling and pot it into a 9cm (3.5in) pot. Once the roots have filled it, you can plant it out.

are hollyhocks poisonous?

Hollyhocks aren’t poisonous to pets or people, however some people find that they can irritate the skin.

are hollyhocks edible?

If you have grown your hollyhocks organically (without any chemicals or fungicides), then you can use the flowers in salads or as a pretty garnish. The leaves are also edible.

why do hollyhocks change colour?

This could be where a hollyhock has self-sown its seed – the new plants will be different to the parent plant.

can hollyhocks survive frost?

Hollyhocks are fully hardy and won’t need protection over winter.

do hollyhocks self seed?

Yes, hollyhocks readily self-sow.

are hollyhocks deer resistant?

Deer are said to love hollyhocks, so you might find that they have munched them while you weren’t looking.

can you grow hollyhocks in pots?

It is possible to grow hollyhocks in pots, but you ideally need a deep container to accommodate their taproots. 

do hollyhocks bloom the first year?

Many hollyhocks are biennials, so in the first year the plant will be establishing its roots and foliage, and it will go on to flower, set seed and die in its second year.

what to grow with hollyhocks

I think hollyhocks look almost at their best in triumphant lines down a wall, or lining a path on their own. And they give brilliant punctuation marks through a mixed shrub and herbaceous border.

how to cut & arrange hollyhocks

For height, you can’t do much better than a few hollyhock stems. Use their full length with either several colours jumbled together or a single colour in a stately vase.

Get more inspiration for displaying your flowers with our flower arranging videos:

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To create the traditional look of an English cottage garden, knowing when to plant hollyhock seeds is a must. 

With its charming funnel-shaped flowers – which can be pink, red, purple, yellow, or white – blooming on tall stems that soar to 6ft (1.8m) or more in summer, hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are an impressive sight. What’s more, the single-flowered varieties provide food for pollinators, such as bees, and pair well with foxgloves, bellflowers, and lupins.  

Our guide has all you need to know about when to plant these backyard beauties to fulfill your flower bed ideas and enjoy their height and color in summer and early fall. 

(Image credit: Thompson & Morgan)

When to plant hollyhock seeds

Hollyhocks are best grown as biennials in order to reduce their susceptibility to a fungal disease called rust. 

‘From my perspective, hollyhocks are now classified as short-lived perennials that are often grown as biennials,’ says Jonathan Sheppard , who holds the UK national collection of hollyhocks. ‘This means they produce flowers in their second year.’ 

Alcalthaea are fantastic short-lived perennials that are closely related to hollyhocks and well worth trying in the garden, too.

This is the inside track on when to plant hollyhock seeds as well as alcalthaea.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Plant hollyhock seeds in spring

Hollyhocks are easy to grow from seed. As for when to plant hollyhock seeds, they can be sown under cover in March, April, or May or sown direct into soil outside in May, June, or July. Being biennial, they won’t bloom until next year. 

‘When sown indoors in spring, barely cover the seed with soil,’ advises Kelly Funk, President of Park Seed , ‘while maintaining a temperature of 70°F (21°C). Germination takes 10 to 14 days. ’If your greenhouse doesn’t get that hot, 60°F (15°C) is fine and can be achieved by using a propagator.’

‘I do a sowing of hollyhocks around April,’ says Jonathan Sheppard, ‘so the plants then establish themselves and get planted out, but won’t flower until the following year.’ 

The seeds are fairly large and are best sown into module trays: sowing one seed per module. 

Plant hollyhock seeds in fall

It’s also possible to plant hollyhock seeds in late summer or fall. ‘I often do a sowing under cover around September,’ says Jonathan Sheppard. ‘This is essentially to try to cheat that biennial nature and get flowers within 12 months. I sow in 3in (7cm) pots, so that the hollyhocks have a much better chance of flowering in their first summer, after they get planted out the following year. ’

The subsequent young seedlings in pots can be overwintered in a cold greenhouse or cold frame or on a cold windowsill. 

Plant hollyhock seeds two years running

Hollyhocks readily self-sow, providing you with free plants (if you don’t deadhead them). However, being biennial, you must do a second sowing next year in order to ensure flowers every year (rather than flowers every other year). If you grow foxgloves, this is the same two year principle. 

During spring or fall, the seedlings that the plants have sown themselves around the backyard can be moved into the position you’d like them to grow. 

There is a huge range of hollyhocks available to sow. Some of Jonathan Sheppard’s favorites include ‘Mars Magic’ (‘a vibrant red variety that really pops in the garden’), ‘Halo Lavender’ (‘a rich purple colored hollyhock with a light center’), and ‘Peaches ’n' Dreams’ (‘a double variety whose blooms can rival those from growing peonies.’)

When to plant potted hollyhocks

Hollyhocks can be bought ready-grown in pots. Check with your supplier whether they are this year’s young plants or last year’s plants. If they were sown this year, they can be planted out between May and October and will bloom next year. But if they were sown last year, they can be planted out between April and June and should flower this summer. Plant them in well-drained soil in sheltered sun. 

If you are planting a cottage garden border, buy a mix of ready-grown hollyhocks that includes a good range of colors, such as cream, yellow, pink, and purple. Alternatively, in a modern garden, opt for the rich claret ‘Nigra’, which looks black from a distance, or plant a mass of elegant pale cultivars (such as ‘Halo White’). 

When to plant plug plant hollyhocks

Sometimes hollyhocks are available in nurseries as trays of tiny plug plants. These should be transplanted into bigger pots and left until they reach a big enough size to plant outside between April and October. Plant them in well-drained soil in sheltered sun.  

When to plant alcalthaea

Alcalthaea are the gorgeous offspring of hollyhock (Alcea) and marshmallow (Althaea). Bred for flower power and reduced susceptibility to rust (a fungal disease that can plague hollyhocks), they are a triumph. Being healthier, these perennials live a lot longer than common hollyhocks and produce wider, branching plants that form a goblet shape. Capable of 8ft (2.4m), they bloom for a long time: sometimes from July into October, making them a great addition to the border. 

Buy alcalthaeas, such as beautiful ‘Parkallee’, as ready-grown pot plants and plant them in well-drained borders in sun during spring or early summer or in the fall. 

How long does it take for hollyhock seeds to sprout?

Hollyhocks take around 10 to 14 days to germinate and then it’s another three to four weeks before they are ready for pricking out. Make sure that hollyhock seeds aren’t planted too deeply if you’re sowing them indoors in spring. The barest covering of soil is necessary.

Do hollyhocks flower in the first year?

Hollyhocks don’t flower in the first year. This is because they are biennials, establishing their roots and foliage in the first year and producing flowers in their second year. For flowers every year, plant hollyhock seeds two years running.

Lucy Searle has written about interiors, property and gardens since 1990, working her way around the interiors departments of women's magazines before switching to interiors-only titles in the mid-nineties. She was Associate Editor on Ideal Home, and Launch Editor of 4Homes magazine, before moving into digital in 2007, launching Channel 4's flagship website, Channel4.com/4homes. In 2018, Lucy took on the role of Global Editor in Chief for Realhomes.com, taking the site from a small magazine add-on to a global success. She was asked to repeat that success at Homes & Gardens, where she has also taken on the editorship of the magazine. 

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Author: Elena N. https://floristics.info/ru/index.php?option=com_contact&view=contact&id=19 Category: Garden Plants Returned: Last amendments:

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  • No end of drizzle
    Only the mallows shine, as if
    Above them is a cloudless day.
    Basho

    Mallow - beauty that cannot be hidden behind a fence! And why? After all, it’s definitely not for this that breeders worked so hard on flowers of jewelery beauty of all possible shades: from virgin white to blue-black!

    Did you know that the closest relatives of mallow are kalachiki (mistweed) and marshmallow?

    From the first, the stock-rose inherited unpretentiousness and pretty rounded leaves, and from the second - a lot of healing and even magical properties!

    It is believed that the mallow planted along the fence protects the house and all its inhabitants from the evil eye and evil. But it turns out that mallows will not be happy near any fence ...

    How to please a stock rose so that it blooms for 4 months in a row, read on.

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    Planting and caring for mallow

    • Planting: sowing seeds in May-June in open ground or in January-February for seedlings (planting seedlings in the ground - in mid-May).
    • Flowering: mid-summer.
    • Lighting: bright sunlight, light partial shade.
    • Soil: rich in humus, well drained, medium moisture, neutral.
    • Water: moderate to heavy, regular.
    • Garter: is recommended, especially for tall varieties.
    • Top dressing: before budding with a complex mineral fertilizer with nitrogen predominance.
    • Reproduction: seed.
    • Pests: slugs.
    • Diseases: rust, powdery mildew.

    Read more about growing mallow below

    Malva (lat. Malva) , or mallow , or kalachik , or stem-rose - type genus of the Malvaceae family - herbaceous plant, usually annual, sometimes biennial and perennial. Today, about 30 species of mallow grow naturally in the temperate climates of North Africa, North America, Asia and Europe. Mallow was cultivated in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece: a description of the healing properties of the plant was found in the writings of Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder. In the twenties of the last century, scientists discovered ecological plasticity and high fodder qualities in mallow. And large bright pink flowers have always aroused the admiration of artists who depicted them in paintings, and poets who sang about them in verse. And how to imagine a Ukrainian hut without a mallow growing near it in the front garden? Or a Ukrainian towel without its bright pink flowers. ..

    Botanical description

    The most famous and ancient representative of the forest mallow genus is a plant with a straight, lying or ascending stem 30-120 cm high, first fluffy and hairy, and then naked. Mallow leaves are heart-shaped, rounded, incised or five-seven-lobed, pubescent, petiolate. Large, up to 12 cm in diameter, wide bell-shaped flowers with characteristic purple stripes of 1-5 pieces are hidden in the axils of the leaves. In some species, inflorescences form brushes.

    Mallow blooms from June to August, it is frost-resistant, drought-resistant and unpretentious in care.

    Depending on the variety, single or double flowers vary in color from almost black to white. Petals oblong, obovate, deeply notched. Mallow root spindle-shaped, branched, long. The fruit is a polysemyanka, seeds remain viable for 2-3 years.

    • How and how to treat raspberries from pests and diseases in late spring - early summer?

    Growing mallow from seeds

    Growing conditions

    If you don't want to make any extra effort and are not in a hurry to see mallow bloom this year, you can sow seeds directly into the ground in May or June. But then your mallow before the onset of winter will only have time to form a rosette of leaves, and it will bloom only next year. If you want the mallow to bloom this summer, you should sow seeds for seedlings in January-February.

    But even if you are ready to grow mallow as a biennial or perennial plant, the seedling method is still more reliable than the seed method.

    For both annual and perennial mallow, the process is the same, the only difference is when to sow. Annual mallow is sown in the middle of winter, planted in the ground in May, and blooms in the middle of summer. Biennial and perennial mallow is sown in May, it is planted in the ground in August or September.

    Growing seedlings

    Mallow seeds that have been stored for a year or two or purchased from a flower shop are preferably soaked for 12 hours in warm (45 ºC) water before planting to soften the hard shell of the seeds and facilitate the germination process.

    It must be said that mallow seeds, which remain viable for up to three years, germinate much better in the third year of their storage than in the first two years.

    For sowing mallow seedlings, it is better to use peat pots, since mallow roots do not tolerate transplantation well and often do not take root in a new place. The temperature for seed germination should be 18-22 ºC, then seedlings will appear in two weeks. If you sowed mallow in a container, then after the appearance of three leaves on the seedlings, you will have thin out them in such a way that there is a distance of 2-3 cm between shoots. Removed sprouts can be saved by carefully diving them into peat pots. When the seedlings grow up and get stronger, it needs to be hardened, taking it out for several hours in fresh, cool air. In May-June, seedlings can be planted in the ground directly in pots.

    In the photo: Growing mallow seedlings from seeds

    Planting mallow

    Preparing the soil

    Choose a sunny site in the garden (mallow grows in partial shade, but loses its color and stem height) with good drainage and loose loamy, humus-rich soil . The place for sowing should be high so that the roots do not rot from standing melt water. It would be nice if the site was protected from winds and drafts. It is best to plant mallow along the fence: there will be a support nearby, to which it will be possible to tie the stems. If your soil is poor, it will have to be fertilized by mulching the area with humus. But more on that later.

    • Lilies of the valley: how to expel by a specific date and how to limit growth?

    How to plant in the garden

    Seedlings of annual mallow are planted in open ground in mid-May. Planting seedlings of two-year-old or perennial mallow in the ground is carried out in August-September. Biennial and perennial mallow seeds can be sown directly into the ground. This is done in the spring, in April-May, after late frosts. Small holes are made in the soil up to 3 cm deep and 2-3 seeds are placed in each.

    Depending on what kind of mallow you plant, the distance between seedlings should be from 25 cm to 50 cm. If you are not sure that summer has finally come, put covering material on your bed so that the sprouts do not suffer from possible frosts. Under favorable weather conditions, seedlings will hatch in two weeks. When the seedlings have 3-4 leaves, they need to be thinned out, leaving one tall seedling in the hole.

    Planting hibiscus in the garden - all the information you need

    Caring for mallow

    How to care

    Growing mallow is a simple process, because mallow is not a capricious plant. Regular moderate watering , especially in dry summers, loosening the soil and weeding, timely removal of wilted flowers are mandatory requirements in caring for mallow.

    In addition, it would be good to feed the plant before budding with mineral fertilizers with a predominance of nitrogen.

    The tall mallow needs to be tied up so as not to break under strong gusts of wind, so plant it along the fence or dig in tall pegs to tie the plant. Well, if you want to make a perennial from an annual, immediately after the mallow has faded, cut off all the flower stalks so that the seeds do not have time to start. That's the whole care for the mallow.

    • Elecampane: properties and contraindications, planting and care

    Pictured: Mallow blossoms in the garden

    Diseases and pests

    Infect mallow slugs . They are collected by hand: put small bowls in different places, pour beer into them and in a day go around and collect the slugs that will crawl to get drunk.

    Of the few diseases that affect the mallow, the worst of all is rust, which is easily infected near metal fences. The disease manifests itself in the fact that dark red spots appear on the back of the leaves. Affected leaves must be removed and burned.

    Sometimes powdery mildew appears on mallow. You can fight it with a solution of colloidal sulfur or a specialized fungicide.

    In the photo: Mallow pests on the flower

    Mallow after flowering

    In autumn, after the mallow has faded, the stems are cut to ground level. At the same time, you can fertilize the soil by mulching it with humus and compost at the rate of 3-4 kg per 1 m 2 . Mallow should winter under shelter from spruce branches, fallen leaves or straw.

    In the photo: Mallow has faded

    Healing properties of mallow

    Mallow has long been known in folk medicine. The beneficial properties of mallow have been studied by healers in many countries. For example, an infusion of mallow flowers and leaves treats stomach inflammation and intestinal disorders. Hot baths with steamed leaves or flowers of mallow (mallow) help relieve swelling of the spleen. The forest mallow grass is a constant component of chest collections.

    Lavatera: planting and caring - a relative of mallow

    As lotions and compresses decoction of mallow flowers is used for skin diseases to relieve itching and to heal wounds (obviously due to the mucus contained in the mallow). Mallow is also used in medical cosmetology to restore the epidermis and prevent pustular rashes. Preference in folk medicine is given to mallow flowers, because they have a higher content of sugars, vitamin C and carotene than leaves. The main thing is that mallow preparations do not give unwanted side effects and have no contraindications.

    Mallow tea for cough: 2 teaspoons of finely chopped flowers (or leaves) pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 10 minutes, strain, drink 2-3 cups a day. You can add honey, but then the tea should not be warmer than 40 ºC.

    ... Every year in May, Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto and the city host the Aoi Matsuri festival dedicated to mallow. People put on bright clothes, walk through the streets of the city with dances and songs. This holiday is many centuries old...

    Endless May rain...
    Mallows are reaching out somewhere,
    Looking for the path of the sun.
    Basho

    Types and varieties of mallow

    The genus of mallow in cultivation includes about 60 species of ornamental plants. The progenitor of this genus forest mallow is an annual plant. And species such as Sudanese, hybrid, musky and wrinkled mallow are predominantly perennials. True, it must be said that not all flower growers include all these species in the mallow genus, considering, for example, that Sudanese mallow, or hibiscus, as well as wrinkled mallow, or stock-rose, although they belong to the mallow family, but are related to another kind. Let's not quibble: the plants are so similar in characteristics that it makes sense to combine them into one section on care and cultivation.

    Annual Malva

    Forest Malva (Malva sylvestris)

    So, Forest Malva , or Kalachiki . This biennial plant is grown here as an annual. It grows up to 120 cm, its flowers are characterized by the presence of darker veins than the shade of the flower. Popular varieties are zebrina mallow, which is distinguished by large flowers of pale pink color with dark red veins. The Black Pearl variety is also in demand - dark purple flowers up to 7 cm in diameter with black veins.

    In the photo: Forest mallow or kalachiki

    Perennial mallow

    Musk mallow (Malva moschata)

    It is a low perennial - not more than a meter. Fragrant flowers of white or pink musk mallow reach a diameter of 5 cm. Sometimes this mallow is called nutmeg. Popular cultivars are White Tower and Pink Tower 70 cm tall with snow white or hot pink flowers respectively. These varieties bloom until frost.

    In the photo: Musk or nutmeg mallow

    Sudanese mallow

    Or Sabdariffa hibiscus , or Sudanese rose is a biennial plant grown for its fruits, which have long been one of the components of fruit drinks with medicinal value. The shrub form of Malva sabdariffa var. Sabdariffa and the tree form Malva sabdariffa var. Altissima.

    In the photo: Sudanese mallow or hibiscus sabdariffa or Sudanese rose

    Ruffled mallow (Malva rugosa)

    Stock-rose , or wrinkled alcea – it is conditionally called mallow. The plant in nature reaches two meters in height, its flowers are 3 cm in diameter, yellow. Is a perennial. Garden form - stock-pink mallow, or stock-rose (Malva alcea). Perennial plant, reaches 90 cm in height. It has varieties with both simple and semi-double and double flowers, similar to peonies.

    For example, Chater's Double Strain is a double mallow with large flowers of different colors, while Single Mixed has simple flowers resembling hibiscus. Stock rose varieties also differ in size: Powder Puffs Mixed, for example, reaches a height of two meters, and Majorette Mixed is a dwarf plant (up to 75 cm), but with large semi-double flowers.

    In the photo: Stock rose or wrinkled mallow or wrinkled alcea

    Malva hybrida (Malva hybrida)

    This is a perennial with several stems, up to 2 m high. The flowers are white or pink, double, very large. Blooms in June-September. Popular varieties Chaters Double, Gibbortello, Powder Puffs.

    In the photo: Hybrid mallow

    You should know that almost all varieties of forest mallow are annuals, and varieties of other mallow species are predominantly biennials or perennials, but this division is conditional: both among forest mallow varieties there are perennial varieties, and among conditional perennials, there are annual varieties.

    Literature

    1. Read related topics on Wikipedia
    2. Peculiarities and other plants of the Malvaceae family
    3. List of all species on The Plant List
    4. More information on World Flora Online


    Poppy: cultivation from seeds, species and varieties
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    Sections: Garden Plants Garden Biennials Garden Perennials Garden Herbaceous Plants Garden Flowering Plants Garden Annuals Garden Medicinal Plants Mallow Weed Plants M

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    when to plant, how to collect seeds for landing

    Content:

    • Malva Perennaya
    • Agrotechnics of mallow nation
      • Soil
      • Sowing seeds
      • Greeds
      • Winter
    • Care for mallow
      • Watering
      • Fertilizing
      • Garter
    • Pests and phytobolezes
      • Malva after flowering
    • Malve's seed collection and landing scheme
    • Tips for experienced summer residents

    When selecting perennials for flower beds. Growing a beautiful and spectacular plant will decorate any front garden. Both experienced and novice flower growers like mallow for many years of planting with seeds. A perennial flower with a long history looks great in the garden decor of small cottages and luxury cottages. The plant represents the sun and summer, charm and luxury, peace and restraint. Some summer residents are interested in how they plant mallow seeds in open ground.

    Mallow perennial

    Mallow belongs to herbaceous perennials that belong to the mallow family. People call mallow:

    • kalachik;
    • stockrose;
    • mallow.

    The height of an upright tall flower varies in the range of 0.8-2.5 m. In its natural environment it grows in the temperate climate of Europe, in Asian and North American regions, lives in Africa.

    Mallow

    Rounded leaves with notched margins. The dimensions of the foliage are determined by the location. At the bottom of the stem, the leaves are larger, their size decreases as they rise upwards. Funnel-shaped flowers with a diameter of 6-12 cm are simple and double, as well as semi-double. Color of buds:

    • white and pink;
    • red and orange and more.

    At the end of flowering, a fruit is formed on the culture - a dense ring, which, when ripe, breaks up into slices. Seeds remain viable for 2-3 years. In the first year, it forms a mallow leaf rosette. The plant will flower next season.

    The peak of decorative mallow falls in June and continues until autumn.

    Plant propagation methods:

    • seeds;
    • cuttings.

    Propagation through seedlings or direct direct seeding into the ground - this is how to plant mallow from seed. Seedling sowing occurs at the end of winter or March - mallow will be able to bloom in the middle of summer. Separate peat cups are used to prevent transplantation. Seeds planted in one container are intertwined with roots and are severely damaged when diving.

    Mallow can be planted as seeds by cuttings

    The south side on the windowsill or glazed balcony is suitable for seedlings. Lack of light is the reason for the pulling of seedlings, diseases, long acclimatization in unprotected soil.

    Sprout care consists of occasional watering. Feeding and spraying seedlings is not required.

    Mallow is tentatively planted in a permanent place in May, after frost. The planting pattern is influenced by the characteristics of the variety and the design of the flower bed.

    Mallow is easy to care for in the garden. After weeding the flower garden, carefully loosen the soil near the bushes. For the attractiveness of the culture, faded stems are cut with secateurs.

    Please note! For abundant flowering, the mallow is not allowed to set the seed, the shoots are removed immediately after the corollas have dried.

    Agrotechnics for growing mallow

    Mallow is an unassuming plant. But in order to grow a luxurious bush, it is important to adhere to the basic rules.

    Selecting a location

    For perennials, a front garden is preferable, which is well lit by sunlight and is not blown by drafts. Growing in partial shade will result in poor flowering and splendor, a decrease in shoot growth.

    It is required to plant flower plantations with support: at the fence or pergola.

    How to grow mallow from seeds

    Note. Malva does not tolerate transplantation - branched roots are injured when the plant is transferred to a new flower bed.

    Soil

    Malva is grown in soil that meets the following requirements:

    1. Contains sufficient moisture, with good drainage.
    2. Loams rich in humus are suitable. They improve the structure of clay by adding humus and sand, sandy loam - humus, clay or peat.
    3. Digging the soil is carried out on a shovel bayonet, weeds are selected.
    4. When digging, the earth is fertilized with ashes, humus or rotted compost.

    Sowing seeds in open ground

    As a rule, mallow is sown in the last decade of May and June. The seed material is distributed on the surface of the dug-up beds and sprinkled with soil.

    Malva seeds are planted in the soil according to the scheme, observing the interval between crops:

    • tall - 50-70 cm;
    • short - 40-45 cm.

    Sometimes shallow grooves are made in the soil and seeds are placed.

    To avoid the death of seeds during the heat, the soil is systematically moistened before the emergence of sprouts.

    Attention! The pits are covered with agrofiber to maintain moisture and form shoots.

    Seedlings of plants usually appear in 14-21 days. The thickened plantings are thinned out, the seedlings, if necessary, are transferred to another flower bed.

    Planting Timing

    It is important for gardeners to know when to plant mallow. The plant is sown twice: in spring and also in autumn. Flowering will come only next year. The optimal time for spring planting is when the threat of returning cold weather has passed. In mallow, long-term planting with seeds in autumn is carried out in September-October, before the arrival of stable frosts.

    Planting seedlings

    The seedling method is considered more reliable. Seeds are usually sown at the end of February. Seeds are soaked ahead of time in a damp cloth for 12 hours.

    Spacious cups are prepared for the seed material - the roots of the mallow will need space. The containers are filled with soil mixture. You can use a special soil for flowers. It is advisable to use peat pots.

    Planting is best in February

    The technological process of sowing seeds does not differ from planting in the ground. A couple of seeds are placed on top of the ground and sprinkled lightly with soil. Next, individual cassettes are spilled with water. In order for flower plants to develop normally, the glasses are kept in a warm room with a temperature of at least + 18 ... + 22 ° C, they do not allow drafts and provide periodic watering.

    Mallow diving into the soil is optional. If a pick is carried out, then it is carried out if there is a third true leaf on the seedlings and the mallow is grown in a container. The most powerful shoots dive, which then develop in a greenhouse or at home with the support of a constant temperature regime and are waiting to be moved to a permanent site. Strong excess sprouts are placed, if desired, in peat tablets.

    Important! A week or a half before planting in a permanent place, seedlings are taken out for hardening to a balcony or yard for a couple of hours. The procedure will facilitate adaptation to new growing conditions.

    Sowing before winter

    Summer residents are interested in how to properly plant mallow in autumn. Pre-winter sowing involves sowing seeds in October. Several seeds are placed in the prepared holes, deepened by 3 cm. The distance between the holes is 40-45 cm. The recesses are sprinkled with peat and earth. Plantings are mulched with fallen leaves.

    Care of the mallow

    Watering

    During the drought in summer, plants extract water from the soil with long roots. It does not hurt to water densely flowering hybrid varieties in the absence of rain for at least 2 weeks.

    When to plant a stem rose (growing from seed)

    Important! In hot weather, flowers lose turgor, but good moisture has a beneficial effect on elasticity.

    Top dressing

    The cultivation of mallow in nutrient soil does not require fertilization. The pale leaves of the plant in the spring indicate a nitrogen deficiency, which is replenished with complex top dressing: 1 tbsp. on a bush Just right ammophos, azofoska.

    Spraying in the summer on the foliage before budding is carried out using Agricola or Ideal. This will add splendor to flowering.

    Garter

    It is difficult for tall plants to do without support, especially for profusely flowering terry hybrid varieties - the stem cannot cope with the mass of inflorescences.

    In the second year, a support is installed so as not to spoil the garden decor with pegs ahead of time. Soft material will help with tying the peduncle. The support reaches the middle of the stem.

    Tying mallow will help plants not to break

    Pests and phytodiseases

    Mallow is often attacked by slugs. To destroy them, special traps are used. Containers with beer are placed on the flower plot. A day later, the bait is controlled and cleaned of parasites.

    Aphids and spider mites settle on the plant. Insecticides are used to treat plants.

    Malva is disease resistant. Landing near a metal fence provokes rust infection. The disease is signaled by reddish spots from the inside of the leaves. Carry out pruning and destruction of the affected leaf plates. Leaves are treated with Bordeaux mixture.

    Occasionally, the plant suffers from powdery mildew, which is caused by excessive moisture due to rainfall or excessive watering. To combat the disease, colloidal sulfur or fungicides Mikosan-B, Phyto-Doctor are used.

    Mallow after flowering

    When the perennial has been removed, it is recommended to cut the stems down to ground level in autumn. Remember to fertilize the land and mulch with humus or compost: 3 kg per 1 m2.

    When to plant perennial flowers

    Important! Mulching mallow with straw, spruce branches or peat will prevent freezing in winter.

    Mallow seed collection and planting scheme

    Mallow is a cross pollinated flower. Therefore, collecting seeds from mallow, when sown, hybrids with various shades are obtained.

    Some summer residents prefer to use seeds that they collect in the fall with their own hands. Germination and growth of mallow depends on the quality of the seed.

    Collection of seeds when they turn yellow is carried out from mother liquors, which are selected depending on the type and purity of the variety. Seeds remain viable for three years. The ripening of mallow bolls and their opening is a signal for harvesting.

    10 days - drying time for seed pods. Suitable air temperature for drying is +25…+30 °С.

    The semen is cleaned from foreign impurities. У conditions storage:

    • temperature – +10 °С;
    • humidity - 50%.

    Tips from experienced summer residents

    Herbaceous perennial is easy to care for, however, when growing it, experienced gardeners recommend paying attention to:

  • Avoid shaded beds. The lack of light threatens the loss of decorativeness.
  • Landing in ventilated areas is prohibited.
  • Mandatory shelter during the onset of cold weather.
  • Transplanting is undesirable.

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