Chinese Mallow (Malva verticillata), also known as Cluster Mallow or Musk Mallow, is a versatile herb and salad green that produces attractive clusters of white to pale mauve flowers and deeply serrated frisée-style leaves. A staple in Asian cuisine, this fast-growing annual or biennial plant is prized for its edible leaves, young shoots, and flowers, which can be enjoyed fresh or cooked.
This non-GMO seed variety offers both ornamental appeal and culinary value. Its frilly foliage adds texture to salads and garnishes, while its gentle herbal flavor makes it suitable for soups, teas, and stir-fries. Easy to grow and drought tolerant once established, Chinese Mallow thrives in gardens, borders, or containers.
Features
- Edible frilly leaves with mild flavor
- White to pale mauve flowers that attract pollinators
- Dual-purpose plant for food and ornamental use
- Fast-growing and adaptable in various garden settings
- Non-GMO and easy to cultivate from seed
Specifications
- Seed Type: Chinese Mallow seeds
- Common Names: Chinese Mallow, Cluster Mallow, Musk Mallow
- Plant Type: Annual or Biennial Herb/Vegetable
- Plant Height: 24 – 48 inches
- Zones: USDA Zones 3–9 (annual/biennial)
- Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile garden soil
- Germination Time: 7 – 14 days
- Days to Maturity: 50 – 70 days
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Season: Spring to early summer planting
- Planting Depth: ¼ inch
- Spacing: 12 – 18 inches
- Optimal Temperature: 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C)
- Watering: Moderate, drought tolerant after establishment
- Companion Plants: Lettuce, basil, calendula, radish
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
- Harvest: Gather young leaves and flowers for eating
- Pollinator Support: Flowers attract bees and butterflies
- Uses: Edible greens, herbal teas, ornamental landscaping
- Storage: Store unused seeds in cool, dry environment
Planting Guide
- Direct Sow: Plant seeds outdoors once the soil warms in spring.
- Indoor Start: Start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost, transplant after frost danger.
- Soil Prep: Work in compost before planting for best growth.
- Watering: Water consistently until established; tolerate dry spells when mature.
- Harvesting: Clip young leaves regularly to encourage new growth; pick flowers fresh.
