Forest malva, Malva sylvestris Seeds

Forest malva (Malva sylvestris) is a bushy biennial or short-lived perennial, 60–120 cm tall, with violet to lavender five-petalled flowers veined darker from late spring into autumn. Its leaves and flowers are edible. The packet holds 15 seeds.

Also known as: Common Mallow.

Sowing

• Sow directly in the garden in early spring or autumn.
• Cover the seed lightly with soil.
• Germination takes 10–20 days in warm conditions.

Site and care

Full sun to partial shade in well-drained, fertile soil. Once established it tolerates drought and needs little care. Remove spent flowers to prolong flowering, and trim occasionally to keep the plant compact.

How to recognise it

Round-lobed, dark green leaves with slightly toothed edges and a velvety feel. The flowers grow in clusters along upright stems. Native to Europe, North Africa and parts of Asia, it has naturalised in many regions.

In the kitchen

Young leaves go into salads and soups or are cooked as greens; they have a mild, slightly mucilaginous texture. The flowers decorate dishes.

It seeds itself

Malva sylvestris self-seeds readily, so a planting tends to persist. Remove seed heads if you want to limit it. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers.

What you get

One packet of 15 Malva sylvestris seeds. We do not state a germination percentage for this lot.

FAQ

Is it annual or perennial?

Biennial or short-lived perennial.

Which parts can be eaten?

The young leaves and the flowers.