KASHMIR MALLOW SEEDS

Lavatera cachemiriana

An architectural perennial mallow from the Himalayas. Downy foliage topped with spires of pretty clear pink flowers that grow to nearly 7' in a single season. Surprisingly sturdy and tolerant of imperfect dry soils. Hardy to at least zone 5, and probably much of zone 4 given good drainage and some protection. Blooms summer through autumn.

Though it is sometimes listed as germinating at room temperature, we find that sowing seeds into pots overwintered outdoors is most reliable. Tuck seeds just beneath the surface of moist soil, press gently, and cover with plastic to maintain moisture. Place in a sheltered location outdoors, like an unheated screen porch or barn, and check frequently for germination during the first warm days of late winter or early spring. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual 6" pots at cool temperatures in bright indirect light. Transplant into the garden in full or part sun while soils are still quite cool.

Kashmir Mallow can become quite large where it is happy, so space plants very generously. Likewise, take care to thin self-sown seedlings in spring. So large that choosing companions can be a challenge. It is practically a shrub! Does die back in winter, so prune hard to the ground in winter or early spring.

Packet contains at least 20 seeds.