Snow White Malva

Short and sweet describes this little plant perfectly. Iridescent silver-white flowers float over the foliage, blooming the first season, growing to 16 inches. A good way to get a mass of flowers in the first year would be to plant 5-7 seedlings spread evenly out, in a foot diameter circle, creating a full-grown, established look.  

50 seeds

PLANTING

Malva sylvestris

Perennial, Zones 4-7

Germination: 7-21 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-75ºF

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface, seeds need light to germinate

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 70-75ºF soil temperatures until germination. Transplant 12-18” apart after the last frost.

Sowing Outdoors: Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring or fall. Sow a few seeds every 12”. Thin to the strongest seedling

Growth Habit: Upright branching

Height and Width: 14-16” by 14-16”

Spacing: 12-18” apart

Light Needs: Full sun

Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained 

Approximate days to flower from seed: Blooms in the second season may bloom the first season when started early indoors

Uses: Cut flowers, cottage and wildflower gardens, borders, attracts bees and butterflies

Care: Pinch back the seedlings to encourage more branching. Drought tolerant once established. Deadhead to encourage more flower production. Self-seeds