Lavatera Growing Guide

Malva

Lavatera

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Well-drained soil of average fertility.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

There are perennial lavateras that survive winter, but the annual form is killed by hard freezes.

Feeding

Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid fertiliser to prolong bloom time.

Companions

Locate lavatera near the edges of beds to make it easy to gather stems for indoor arrangements.

Spacing

Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow large lavatera seeds where you want them to grow at about the time of your last spring frost. Or, start seeds indoors to get a head start on the season, and set them out after the last spring frost has passed.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

The newly opened blossoms make good cut flowers. Colours include soft pink and white.

Harvesting

Gather blossoms to use as cut flowers just as they open. Snip off old flowers once a week to promote blooming time. If you allow some seedpods to ripen until they shatter, lavatera will reseed in hospitable spots.

Troubleshooting

Expect some cosmetic damage from leaf-eating beetles.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Lavatera