Malva verticillata
TAXONOMY
FamilyMalvaceae
GenusMalva
Zone5
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Malva verticillata, commonly known as Chinese Mallow or Cluster Mallow, is a plant in the Malvaceae family. It is native to East Asia and is known for its medicinal and culinary uses. The plant can be either annual or perennial and prefers temperate climates. It has a dormancy period of about 3 months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Chinese Mallow
Althaea crispa
Althaea verticillata
Malva abyssinica
Malva chinensis
Malva crispa
Malva meluca
Malva mohileviensis
Malva montana
Malva neilgherrensis
Malva nepalensis
Malva olitoria
Malva pulchella
Malva verticillata subsp. chinensis
Malva verticillata subsp. crispa
Malva verticillata subsp. pulchella
Malva verticillata var. chinensis
Malva verticillata var. crispa
Malva verticillata var. verticillata
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
GDD1,350
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Malva verticillata requires moderate care. It prefers bright, direct light and moderate temperatures. The plant thrives in environments with moderate humidity. Regular watering is necessary, but the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between waterings.Harvest
Malva verticillata, commonly known as Chinese mallow, is typically harvested when the leaves are young and tender, usually around 60 to 90 days after planting. The leaves can be picked individually by hand, ensuring to leave some foliage to allow the plant to continue growing. For optimal quality, harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prolongs the productive period of the plant. Ensure to handle the leaves gently to avoid bruising.Soil
The plant prefers loamy soil that is well-draining. It can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to ensure healthy growth.Repotting
Repot the plant when it outgrows its current container, typically every 1-2 years. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Repotting is best done in the spring.Propagation
Malva verticillata can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the spring, while cuttings can be taken during the growing season. Ensure the cuttings have at least one node and plant them in a well-draining soil mix.Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's shape and encourage new growth. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged stems and trim back overgrown areas.Toxicity
Malva verticillata is not toxic to pets or humans. It is often used in traditional medicine and as a culinary herb.Additional
Malva verticillata is known for its medicinal properties and is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. The leaves and seeds are edible and can be used in salads, soups, and teas.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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