BLUE MALLOW SEEDS

Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana

This gorgeous species, Malva sylvestris, is likely the family namesake, and was the mallow of choice for medicinal use before the superior Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis, became more widely cultivated. In Europe and North America it is now grown primarily as an informal ornamental perennial, but it is a charming and nourishing addition to the vegetable garden and permacultural landscape, where its habit of self-sowing here and there makes for lots of edible greens in early spring and magical unexpected color in summer.

The edible flowers of this variety are the deepest darkest shade of violet pink. Their saturated color is the result of unique anthocyanins including malvin and malvidin. The fresh flowers are suitable for salads. Dried flowers are a lovely addition to herbal teas.

The nutritious mucilaginous leaves of Mallow are still used for food and medicine in diverse regions and cultures around the world. In North Africa they are often used in lieu of molokhia during the winter months. They are fantastic tossed into soups and stews, and give body to green sauces.

Seeds germinate erratically over several weeks at cool temperatures. Do not use heat in an attempt to hasten germination, because it will have the opposite effect. Sow outdoors or in an unheated greenhouse in very early spring. They may also germinate tucked into moist soil on a north windowsil. Whatever method you use, keep the seeds cool, but not cold, and be patient.

Hardy to zone 4 at least, and will usually self-sow in colder zones. This species is a common weed throughout Siberia. Plants grow 3'-4' in most gardens, although I've seen them pop up in sidewalk cracks, blooming their little hearts out at around 1'.

Packet contains at least 50 seeds.