Musk Mallow
Abelmoschus moschatusfam. Mallowaceae
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Pl. 4AF4 — Abelmoschus moschatus
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IOverview
Overview
Musk Mallow (Abelmoschus moschatus) is a perennial plant belonging to the Mallowaceae family and can grow up to 2 meters tall. Native to regions including Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China South-Central, India, and parts of Southeast Asia such as Borneo, Hainan, and Vietnam, it thrives in full sun with moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy from zones 8-11, this plant is known for its edible leaves, roots, seeds, and shoots. Its distinctive feature is the musky aroma of the flowers, which gives the plant its name.
Quick answers
What is Musk Mallow?
Musk Mallow (Abelmoschus moschatus) is a perennial plant belonging to the Mallowaceae family and can grow up to 2 meters tall.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Musk Mallow thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 8-11 and can grow up to 2 meters tall. To propagate, use seeds. This perennial plant is versatile, with edible parts including leaves, roots, seeds, seedpods, and shoots.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
2.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Musk Mallow for the first time
7steps
Start with Musk Mallow for a simple, low-maintenance project.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, potting soil, containers, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 15°C (60°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix. Containers should be at least 30 cm (12 inches) deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in containers, covering them with 0.5-1 cm (0.2-0.4 inches) of soil. Keep moist until germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootSeedSeedpodShoots
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:Essential OilFiberPest controloilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 8 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 8 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 22 native· 8 introduced
Asia10 regions
native (10)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarPhilippinesTaiwanThailandVietnam
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Belize
Africa4 regions
introduced (4)AngolaBeninBurkina FasoCameroon
Broader regions
native:Lesser Sunda Is., Hainan, Borneo, Jawa, Sulawesi, New Guinea, Sumatera, West Himalaya, Malaya, Maluku
introduced:Cook Is., Caroline Is., Cabinda
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4af4cafd-0eff-4d70-80ac-3c51f9a89c03
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