Perennial mallow: growing from seeds

Malva perennial - a tall plant (80-120 cm), grown on flowerbeds, lawns, in front gardens, etc. Breeders brought out several of its varieties - terry, semi-double and simple. The latter flowers are five-petalled, bright. The intensity of their coloring toward the center decreases slightly. Terry and half-mahogany varieties have large multi-petalled flowers up to 12 cm in diameter.

Malva, growing of which is considered the most acceptable seed, is a plant unpretentious. It can be planted on almost any soil. However, it is better if it is loose and water-permeable. Seeds are sown in early May according to the scheme of 50x50 cm. They need to be cut to 2-3 cm in the ground. This plant does not tolerate transplantation, and therefore it is necessary to immediately choose a permanent place for it.

The first sprouts appear in two weeks. At the very beginning they develop rather sluggishly, and therefore they must be weeded out. Otherwise, the weeds will easily muffle the shoots. In the first year the mallow does not bloom, but produces a rosette of large leaves. Of these, the next summer grow stalks with spiky flowers, located at a height of about one meter from the surface of the soil.

It is better if the place under the landing is sunny - this is the best option for a plant such as mallow. Cultivation from seeds is not the only method of its reproduction. You can do this by dividing the bush, but only if it is old enough. This method is not very popular, but sometimes it is still used by gardeners. At the same time, you need to add half a bucket of manure or humus for each new bush.

Malva, growing out of seeds or dividing a bush which can begin in the early spring, is not at all afraid of frost. However, in the first year of flowering for the winter, it is better to cover it with lapnik. You can also use it for dry grass or fallen leaves. This is practically the only plant whose faded stems are not cut in autumn. The fact is that they hold the snow, and this allows the mallow to winter better. They are removed only in the spring, leaving a small part of the stem - about 5 cm from the soil surface.

Due to its height, this plant is often used to hide any unsightly constructions - fences, shed walls, etc. Particularly beautiful is the black mallow, whose photo can be seen on the left. This is a two-year variety, but with good care, it can grow in the garden for up to 10 years or more.

For bouquets take stems with buds. Flowers bloom already in the vase. Cut them in such a way that the height of the remaining stalk above the ground is at least forty centimeters. Then the plant will develop better. Mulva does not tolerate overmoistening, and therefore watering requires only in the most arid periods. Seeds begin to be harvested in June. You can do this every 2-3 days, because the flowers bloom very quickly. Next, the seeds must be dried very carefully in a dark place at a temperature of at least 35 degrees, otherwise they will become moldy.

Malva, growing out of seeds which is not anything complicated, can decorate absolutely any area. She perfectly feels herself in the southern regions, and in the middle zone of Russia, and in Siberia.