SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Starting Indoors:
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Keep at 65-70°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Recommended. Direct sow 2-3 weeks before last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Malva sylvestris or French hollyhock is a shrubby, large-leaved heirloom grown in cottage gardens of mixed annuals and perennials, where its large-petaled flowers and upright habit adds contrast. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions; however, it dislikes extreme heat. In southern gardens sow in fall for a beautiful spring show, elsewhere best grown as an annual. Self-sows.
Fertilizer:
Mix in a couple of inches of compost prior to planting and feed monthly or so with a water-soluble organic all-purpose fertilizer. Granular works too.
Diseases & Pests:
Sometimes affected by rust leaf spots that can be prevented by spraying with an organic fungicide.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Cut when several flowers on a stem are open.