Also known as Mallow · 157 saves
Malva
Malva, the genus most gardeners know as mallow. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Malva varieties
6 species of Malva
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Malva in Sow
Save the Malva you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Malva
Whats common across all Malva varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Malva year
- DeadheadJuly–September86% of varieties
Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage rebloom and limit self-seeding
- FertilizeApril57% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer once in spring if plants are struggling
- Check for PestsJune–September57% of varieties
Monitor for mallow rust, especially during wet periods
- PlantApril and May43% of varieties
Plant transplants or sow seeds directly after danger of hard frost
- PruneAugust43% of varieties
Cut back or pull plants before seed capsules mature to prevent aggressive self-seeding.
Do
- Give it full sun to part shade ☀️
- Let some seed fall to renew the patch 🌱
- Remove rust-affected leaves in late summer 🍂
- Use it in cottage plantings and meadows 🌸
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Expect individual plants to be long-lived ❌
- Crowd it and worsen the annual rust ❌
- Plant it in wet, poorly drained ground ❌
What goes wrong with Malva
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves and distorted growth | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Stippling, yellowing, and fine webbing on leaves under hot, dry conditions. | Increase moisture and treat with horticultural oil or miticide if necessary. |
| Japanese beetles | Skeletonized leaves where only the veins remain after beetles feed on the foliage. | Handpick beetles in the morning when they are sluggish and drop them into soapy water. |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Root rot | Wilting and decay of the taproot in waterlogged, poorly drained soils. | Improve soil drainage and avoid over-saturation. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Mallow rust | Orange-brown pustules on leaf undersides, spreading through the summer | Remove affected leaves, space plants for air movement and avoid overhead watering |
Making more Malva
Seed
- Collect seed as the capsules dry in late summer.
- Sow in autumn or early spring where plants are to grow.
- Thin seedlings to about two feet apart.
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep in warm, bright location for 6 weeks.
Malva questions
How many types of Malva are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Malva varieties. The most popular — ranked by 157 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Malva grow in?
Across its varieties, Malva covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Malva bloom?
Most Malva varieties bloom in summer to fall, mid-summer, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Malva should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.