General
Annual Lavatera is also known as Mallow or Annual Tree Mallow.
Latin
Lavatera trimestris
Family: Malvaceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: 2-10
Timing
Start indoors in peat or coir pots 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow outdoors in early spring when light frost is still possible, around mid-March on the coast. If starting indoors, maintain a soil temperature of 21°C (70°F). Seeds will sprout in 15-20 days. Transplant after last frost, being careful not to disrupt the roots. If direct sowing, repeat every 2 weeks until the nights get warmer for a longer bloom time.
Starting
Barely cover the seeds. Transplant or thin to 30-45cm (12-18") apart.
Growing
Plants dislike transplanting, so do not move them. Grow in moist, average soil. Water well and deadhead regularly. Avoid feeding plants, as Lavatera grown in rich soil will have lush foliage and fewer flowers. It may self-sow.
