SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Starting Indoors:
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Cover with plastic to retain moisture until germination occurs. Keep at 65-70°F and provide light.
Starting Outdoors:
Recommended. Direct sow in early spring when there is still a chance for a light frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Malva 'Mauritanica' is a shrubby, large-leaved heirloom perennial grown in cottage gardens of mixed annuals and perennials, where its saucer flowers and upright habit adds contrast. Also serves as a quick-growing flowering hedge. 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.
Watering Details:
Keep moist but not soggy—1" per week, more during especially dry spells.
Fertilizer:
Mix in a couple of inches of compost prior to planting and feed monthly with a water-soluble organic feed.
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.