BLACK MALLOW

Alcea rosea nigra

An ancient cultivar. Gorgeous saturated burgundy-black flowers all along tall 6' spires. Edible and nutritious, these flowers are rich in both anthocyanins and soothing mucilage, and produce a fine flavorless water-soluble purple food dye.

Though the species is common to informal cottage gardens, this selection is regal and more suitable for cutting and landscaping. Grown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello.

Most often listed as a biennial, but this species will usually bloom in the first year if started early indoors and transplanted around the date of the last frost. In some gardens it behaves like a short-lived perennial. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden in spring for flowers in the second year. Germinates best at cool temperatures. Will self-sow where it is happy. Consider growing with Rusty Foxglove and White Chimney Bellflowers for an unexpectedly muted botanical display.

Packet contains at least 50 seeds.