The Rose Mallow is an upright annual that grows in a shrubby form to 2-4’ tall. It is noted for its summer to early fall bloom of saucer-shaped pink flowers (to 2-3” wide) that appear singly in the upper leaf axils. Rounded, medium green leaves (to 3” long) have heart-shaped bases and 3-7 shallow lobes. Good cut flower. Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Appreciates some light afternoon shade.
Growing Instructions for the Rose Mallow
1 The seeds can be sown outdoors in the spring or they can be started indoors in pots. Fill a container with potting soil or peat. Use a sterile seed starter mix, if available. It prevents soil fungi from damaging the seeds and the seedlings. 2. Sow the seeds 1/8 of an inch deep. 3. Water the seeds. Keep the soil lightly moist, not wet, until the seeds sprout. The seeds germinate in 14-21 days. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall. For a longer blooming time, more seeds can be sown every 2 weeks. The plants start to bloom 2 months after the seeds are sown.