Description
Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.
When Thomas Jefferson noted "French mallow" on an 1806 list of flowers, he was probably referring to Malva sylvestris, a European and Asian native with hollyhock-like, purplish-pink flowers. Another common name is 'Cheeses Mallow', a reference to the shape of the seed clusters. Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.
Native Distribution: Northern Europe, Northern Africa, Southwestern Asia
Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date at 70 degrees F. Transplant to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then harden off and transplant outdoors into a moist, well-drained soil after the last frost. As flowers fade, the French Mallow may be cut to its basal leaves for repeat flowering in the fall. Approximately 25 seeds per packet.
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