Mallow (High Mallow) in Zone 4a & 4b
Malva sylvestris
Yes, mallow (high mallow) grows in zones 4a and 4b. Plant it outside May 15–May 22.
When to plant mallow (high mallow) in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 15–May 22 |
| Estimated bloom | Sep 2–Sep 9 (~110 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: about 4 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-3 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 4b
These go outside within two weeks of mallow (high mallow) in zone 4b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumMay 22–May 29
- MarigoldMay 22–May 29
- African DaisyMay 15–May 22
- Amaranthus (Love-Lies-Bleeding)May 15–May 22
- Ammi (False Queen Anne's Lace)May 15–May 22
- Ammobium (Winged Everlasting)May 15–May 22
High mallow is a biennial, which puts it in a small group here: it occupies its square for two seasons and flowers in the second one.
How mallow (high mallow) fits zone 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. Mallow (high mallow) needs about 110 days from sowing to first bloom.
Mallow (High Mallow) planting windows in every zone
Zone 4b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4a & 4b (your zone) | Not usually | May 15–May 22 | Sep 2–Sep 9 |
| 5a & 5b | Not usually | May 10–May 17 | Aug 28–Sep 4 |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | Apr 25–May 2 | Aug 13–Aug 20 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Apr 10–Apr 17 | Jul 29–Aug 5 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 25–Apr 1 | Jul 13–Jul 20 |
Bloom dates are about 110 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
No well-established companions for mallow (high mallow).
Where to buy mallow seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries mallow seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing mallow (high mallow)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 4b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Mallow (High Mallow) in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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