Common Mallow

What you'll need:

Common mallow seeds (you can often find these online or at garden centers)

A small patch of soil in your garden, or a medium-sized pot (at least 10 inches wide) if growing indoors

Standard potting soil or garden soil (mallow isn’t too picky about soil type but prefers well-draining soil)

Watering can or spray bottle for gentle watering

When to start:

Common mallow is a hardy plant that thrives in both cool and warm weather. You can sow the seeds directly outdoors in early spring after the last frost, or even in late summer. If you're starting indoors, begin around 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

Choosing a spot:

Mallow loves sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. Choose a location where it gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. If planting in pots, place them on a sunny windowsill or balcony. Mallow is versatile and grows well in most soils as long as they aren't waterlogged.

Tip: Since common mallow is considered a wildflower in some areas, it's great for low-maintenance gardening or naturalizing parts of your yard.

If you have seeds:

1. Prepare the soil by loosening it with a small rake or your hands. Remove any large clumps or weeds.
2. Sprinkle the seeds over the soil surface, spacing them about 6-8 inches apart. You don’t need to bury them deeply—just lightly press them into the soil or cover them with a thin layer of dirt (about ¼ inch).
3. Water gently using a spray bottle or light sprinkler to avoid washing the seeds away.
4. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-14 days.

If you’re transplanting seedlings:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Place the seedling in the hole and cover the roots with soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets.
3. Water thoroughly after planting.

Planting tips:

• Common mallow doesn’t require rich soil; it’s a resilient plant that does fine in poor soils.
• If you’re planting in a garden bed, consider grouping a few together for a fuller look, but give them enough space to spread out since they can grow up to 2 feet wide.
• If growing in a pot, ensure there are drainage holes to prevent water from pooling.

Watering:

• Once established, common mallow is drought-tolerant, meaning it can handle periods without water. However, during dry spells, water once or twice a week to keep the soil slightly moist (but not soggy).
• In pots, check the top inch of soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Fertilizer:

• Common mallow doesn’t need much fertilizer. If you feel the need to feed it, use a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month. Too much fertilizer can lead to more leafy growth rather than flowers.

Sunlight and temperature:

• Mallow thrives best in full sun but will still grow in partial shade. If planted in a shadier area, it might produce fewer flowers.
• This plant can handle a range of temperatures, from mild spring days to hotter summer conditions. It’s quite hardy, so no need to worry about minor temperature fluctuations.

Pruning and maintenance:

• To encourage bushier growth and more flowers, pinch back the tips of the stems when the plant is about 6 inches tall.
• Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and healthy.
• If you notice the plant spreading too much, you can trim it back to maintain its shape.

Minor problem solving:

• Yellow leaves? This could mean overwatering. Let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
• Not flowering? Ensure the plant is getting enough sunlight. Mallow needs plenty of light to bloom.
• Pests? Mallow is generally pest-resistant, but if you see aphids, simply spray them off with water or use an organic insecticidal soap.

When to harvest:

• Common mallow is both edible and medicinal! The leaves and flowers are ready to harvest once the plant has grown sufficiently, typically 6-8 weeks after planting.
• For the best flavor, harvest young leaves and tender shoots before the plant starts flowering heavily.
• Flowers can be picked anytime once they’ve opened fully.

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or your fingers to snip off leaves and flowers. Always leave some foliage on the plant so it can continue to grow.
• If you're harvesting for salads or cooking, pick the younger leaves for a milder taste.
• For medicinal purposes, you can dry the leaves and flowers by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry place.

After harvesting:

• Fresh leaves and flowers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
• If you dry them, store in an airtight container away from direct sunlight, and they’ll last for several months.
• At the end of the growing season, allow some flowers to go to seed so the plant can reseed itself for next year (if you want it to come back naturally).

Q: Is common mallow invasive?

A: While common mallow can self-seed and spread, it’s not considered highly invasive. Regular pruning and removing spent flowers can help control its spread.

Q: Can I eat common mallow?

A: Yes! The leaves, flowers, and even seeds are edible. Young leaves are great in salads or cooked like spinach. The flowers can be used as a colorful garnish.

Q: Why are my mallow leaves turning brown at the edges?

A: This could be due to underwatering or too much direct sunlight. Make sure the plant is getting enough water, especially during hot spells, and consider providing some afternoon shade.

Q: How do I stop mallow from spreading too much?

A: Deadhead (remove) spent flowers before they set seed. You can also dig up unwanted seedlings if they pop up in places you don’t want them.

Q: Does common mallow attract pollinators?

A: Yes! Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects love mallow flowers. It’s a great plant for supporting local wildlife.