Malva verticillata
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Malva verticillata

پنیرک گل ریز، پنیرک گل مروارید، · Whorled mallow · Chinese Mallow · Large mallow · Salad Mallow

Tier 1 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Water every
7 days
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 4–9
Click count
511
Observations
183

Description

Source: leafsnap

Malva verticillata, commonly known as Chinese mallow or cluster mallow, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Native to Asia and Europe, this plant has been utilized for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine due to its numerous health benefits. The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall and features a slender stem with small leaves arranged in whorls around it. Its flowers, which bloom from June to September, are small and come in either pink or white. Renowned for its high nutritional value, Malva verticillata is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. It also possesses antioxidants that protect against free radicals. Traditionally, this plant has been used to treat various ailments, including coughs, sore throats, constipation, and urinary tract infections, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Beyond its medicinal uses, Malva verticillata is also employed in cooking. The plant can be added fresh or dried to soups and stews, and its leaves can be boiled to make a tea that aids in soothing digestive issues. In summary, Malva verticillata is a versatile plant with numerous health benefits, playing a significant role in traditional medicine practices worldwide.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Chinese mallow, a plant native to East Asia, flourishes in humid environments and can tolerate moderate drought. To keep the soil evenly moist, it should be watered twice a week. Generally grown outdoors, Chinese mallow benefits from rainwater during the growing season, which helps it maintain optimal health and vitality.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun

Chinese mallow is native to habitats with plentiful sunlight, such as open fields and sunny meadows. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
How much sunlight does Chinese mallow require?

Chinese mallow, known botanically as Malva verticillata, thrives in conditions of full sun, which means it requires more than 6 hours of sunlight daily. It can also grow in partial sun, defined as about 3-6 hours of sunlight each day. It's important to observe the movement of sunlight through your garden to find spots that offer the right mix of light and shade. This ensures the plants grow happy and healthy, aligning with their natural needs for sunlight.

What is the botanical name of Chinese mallow?

The botanical name of Chinese mallow is Malva verticillata.

🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Chinese mallow prefers moderate temperatures, similar to what people generally consider comfortable. It grows best in conditions that are neither too hot nor too cold. The main concern with high temperatures is sunburn, so providing some shade in summer is advisable to prevent excessive heat. When temperatures fall, Chinese mallow becomes dormant. To sustain continuous growth, higher temperatures must be maintained during winter. Frost can damage the plant and should be avoided.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
FAQ
What is the botanical name of the Chinese mallow?

The botanical name of the Chinese mallow is Malva verticillata.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

To maximize yield, Chinese mallow benefits from regular applications of a balanced fertilizer, particularly one high in nitrogen. Apply fertilizer before planting, at planting, and when seedlings are 2 inches (5.1 cm) tall. Adding compost or manure also supplies a continuous source of nutrients. Insufficient nutrients in the soil lead to underdeveloped leaves and stems, inferior flavors, thin stems, and a potentially bitter taste.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Chinese mallow flourishes with its lush foliage and delicate flowers. To promote better air circulation and light access, prune the plant from early to late spring, removing any dead or damaged branches. Pruning at the right time not only helps prevent disease but also encourages flowering. For best results and to maintain plant health, always use sterilized tools.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual
Genus
Malva
Family
Malvaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Mature Height
91 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Pink, White
Flower Size
0.51 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall, Early winter
Native Area
Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Afghanistan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Mongolia, Bhutan, Sudan, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Belarus, China

Tags (5)

Common Names (13)

ar پنیرک گل ریز، پنیرک گل مروارید،
en Whorled mallow
en Chinese Mallow
en Large mallow
en Salad Mallow
en Cluster mallow
en Clustered Mallow
en Curled Mallow
en Curled Cheeseweed
en Large-whorled Mallow
en Verticillate mallow
en Curly mallow
en Crop Mallow