Annual Mallow

Annual mallow (Malva trimestris, formerly Lavatera trimestris) is a vigorous, upright annual producing large, silky blooms in shades of pink, deep rose, salmon, and white from midsummer until the first frost. Plants reach up to 90 cm tall and develop a bushy habit with attractive dark foliage. It thrives in full sun and tolerates a wide range of well-drained soils. A reliable, low-maintenance cut flower and garden annual with genuine heirloom cultivars.

Growing

Direct sow seeds 1.5 cm deep where they are to flower, once soil temperature reaches 10 °C. Space plants 30 cm apart within rows and allow 50 cm between rows. Seeds germinate in 8–12 days. Annual mallow dislikes root disturbance, so direct sowing is strongly preferred over transplanting. Thin seedlings to the correct spacing once they are 5–8 cm tall.

Care

Water regularly during dry spells, keeping the root zone moist but not waterlogged. Feed with a balanced fertiliser once plants are established; avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. Taller varieties may need light staking in exposed positions. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering and prevent excessive self-seeding.

Harvest

Cut stems for arrangements when the first one or two flowers on the spike have just opened; further buds will continue to open in the vase. For seed saving, allow seed heads to dry fully on the plant before collecting. Flowering continues until frost stops the plant.

In the kitchen

Annual mallow flowers are edible and can be used as a colourful garnish in salads, floated in drinks, or crystallised for cake decoration. Young leaves and petals have a mild, slightly mucilaginous flavour and can be added raw to salads or briefly cooked as a pot herb.

Storing

Fresh-cut stems last 5–7 days in a bucket of clean water in a cool location. Dried flowers retain colour well when pressed or air-dried in a warm, dark spot. Seeds should be stored in a sealed envelope or jar in a cool, dry, dark place and remain viable for 3–4 years.