Althaea cannabina

Germination

This seed has naturally lower germination rates of 60-70%. Sow indoors, in a cold frame or directly. Indoors surface sow individual seeds 20mm apart onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil. Ideal temp. 15-30°C. Germination is erratic, it may occur quickly with constant heat alone, of approx. 30°C, but many seeds will not emerge until they have had a period of cold. If required cold stratify at below 5°C for a few weeks and return to warmth for germination. Can be sown into a cold frame in autumn, this allows natural winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination the following spring as the weather warms. Direct sowings will not emerge until the following spring. Plant out indoor grown seedlings after danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers a well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun, against a sunny wall is ideal. May require staking in exposed sites. This genus can be prone to rust fungus, treat with fungicide if desired.

Cultivation

Propagate by seed. Cut back after flowering. Will self-seed. self-seeded plants will try to creep towards the sunny front of a border. Dig these up and pot, once established replant towards the back of the border.