Chinese Mallow
Malva verticillata
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 0D97 — Malva verticillata
Malva verticillataMalva verticillataMalva verticillataMalva verticillataMalva verticillataMalva verticillataMalva verticillataMalva verticillataMalva verticillataMalva verticillataMalva verticillataMalva verticillataMalva verticillataMalva verticillata
IOverview
Overview
Chinese Mallow (Malva verticillata) is a forb or herb that thrives in various habitats across Asia and parts of Africa, from Afghanistan to China, and as far south as Bangladesh and Nepal. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, it can grow up to 1.7 meters tall in full sun to partial shade, thriving in moist conditions with light, medium, or heavy soil types. Native to regions such as Afghanistan, Altay, Amur, Assam, and Bangladesh, this plant is adaptable within USDA hardiness zones 6-12, making it suitable for both annual and biennial growth cycles. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow in diverse environments while providing nourishment through its edible parts.
Quick answers
What is Chinese Mallow?
Chinese Mallow (Malva verticillata) is a forb or herb that thrives in various habitats across Asia and parts of Africa, from Afghanistan to China, and as far south as Bangladesh and Nepal. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, it can grow up to 1.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chinese Mallow prefers full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-12 and grows as an annual or biennial, reaching a height of about 1.7 meters. Propagate via seed for best results. The plant thrives in well-drained conditions and benefits from regular watering to maintain its moisture needs. Harvest the leaves and seeds for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-12
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.7 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Chinese Mallow for the first time
8steps
Chinese Mallow is a forgiving plant for beginners, making it an excellent choice for your first gardening project.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that's light or medium. Ensure it gets full sun to partial shade.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spacing them about 30 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth in early spring to promote a bushier plant and remove dead foliage at the end of the season.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The Chinese Mallow is edible and its leaves and seeds can be consumed. The leaves are often eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Seeds can be harvested and roasted for a nutty snack. Both parts add a mild flavor to dishes.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia10 regions
native (10)BangladeshChinaIndiaKazakhstanMongoliaMyanmarNepalPakistanSaudi ArabiaSouth Korea
Africa4 regions
native (4)EritreaEthiopiaSomaliaSudan
Broader regions
native:Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, East Himalaya, Irkutsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Lebanon-Syria, Primorye, Altay
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 0d978099-50fb-4082-8ba2-672845a22085
Decision aid
Choosing between Chinese Mallow and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.