Chinese mallow (Malva verticillata)

Also known as: Curled mallow, Crisped mallow

Since the Tang dynasty, the cultivation of mallow had significantly decreased. In his "Nong Shu," Wang Zhen praised mallow as a premier vegetable, noting that it could serve as a crucial food source during crop failures and could also be preserved and used as a condiment with staple foods. Despite its benefits, mallow was rarely grown or eaten during the Ming dynasty.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Chinese mallow

Lifespan

Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

0.5 to 1 meter

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

6 mm

Flower Color

Pale pink to white

Images of Chinese mallow

Quickly Identify Chinese mallow

Look for round, lobed leaves with toothed edges. The stems are erect and can be hairy. The flowers are small and pale pink to white, grouped in clusters along the stem.

Scientific Classification of Chinese mallow

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mallows, rock-roses, and allies

Family

Mallow

Genus

Mallow

Species

Chinese mallow

Planting and Growing of Chinese mallow

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Ceramic, Plastic

How to Water Chinese mallow?

The watering amount for Malva verticillata should be enough to moisten the soil throughout the pot. Ensure water reaches 500 ml during each session, which allows the root system to absorb sufficient moisture without causing waterlogging. A thorough watering helps the roots to grow deeper and stronger, promoting better plant health.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Chinese mallow? ›

What should I do if my Chinese mallow is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Chinese mallow? ›

How to save an overwatered Chinese mallow? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Chinese mallow?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours daily

Preferring full sun to partial sun, Malva verticillata benefits from regular sunlight. Optimal light encourages vigorous growth, tactile leaves, and flourishing blooms, ideal for ornamental gardening.

Optimal Lighting for Growth ›

Solution for Urban Spaces ›

Benefits of Ideal Sunlight ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Chinese mallow?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Malva verticillata is between 65°F and 75°F. This range promotes optimal growth and development, ensuring the plant can photosynthesize efficiently and grow healthy foliage and stems.

What Soil is Best for Chinese mallow?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Malva verticillata thrives in well-draining soils that prevent waterlogging. This is crucial as it allows roots to access air and avoids root rot, ensuring optimal growth. The plant prefers a soil rich in organic matter, which provides essential nutrients and promotes healthy foliage and flowers. Compost or well-rotted manure can be added to improve soil fertility. While well-draining, the soil should also retain enough moisture to keep the plant hydrated. Organic mulches can help manage moisture levels, leading to more robust plant health.

How to Fertilize Chinese mallow?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Malva verticillata, it's optimal to apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Use approximately 100ml per plant to provide nutrients without overwhelming the roots. Make sure the soil is moist before applying, as this helps prevent root burn and ensures an even distribution of nutrients.

How to Prune Chinese mallow?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by using clean, sharp pruning shears. Focus on removing any dead, diseased, or damaged leaves and stems. Cut at a 45-degree angle to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to rot. Clear away any over-crowded branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Chinese mallow plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Start by filling a seed tray with a quality seed-starting mix. Scatter the seeds evenly on the surface, cover them lightly with soil, and water gently to provide moisture for germination.

Use pruning shears to take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy parent plant during its growth period. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development.

Plant the prepared cuttings into pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the cuttings are planted deep enough to support themselves. Water them well and place them in a warm, well-lit area.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Chinese mallow plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Watch for signs like roots growing through drainage holes or the plant becoming top-heavy and outgrowing its pot. This indicates it's time to repot Malva verticillata. Additionally, if the soil becomes compacted and water isn't permeating, consider repotting.

Opt for a pot that is one size larger than the current one, preferably with sufficient drainage holes. A slightly larger pot encourages healthy growth without overwhelming the plant. Avoid excessively large pots to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for herbs or flowers. This ensures that roots receive the necessary aeration and nutrients, preventing issues like root rot. A mix with perlite or sand improves drainage, crucial for healthy plant development.