Black mallow cultivation technology

09.07.2026

BLACK MULLAGE – MALLOW SYLVESTRIS SSP MAURITANICA

In circulation are: leaves of black mallow – Malvae folium

The Black Mallow Flower – Malvae Folios

The above-ground part of the flowering plant – Malvae herba

It is an extremely widespread type of plant, found on all continents, in all places in Kosovo, usually found along roadsides, in pastures, yards, wastelands, etc. It usually harvests the leaves and flowers; so far, only the wild variety has been harvested. Now its cultivation has also begun with the aim of ensuring better quality and standards. It harvests the leaves and flowers, which are larger compared to the wild species.

Morphological and physiological characteristics

A biennial or perennial plant with branched, round, vertical stems up to 1.5 m tall, green at the tip and woody at the bottom. The roots are axil, branched, and poorly developed. The leaves have different sizes at the larger base, and as you move toward the tip, their size decreases. The flowers develop in the axils of the leaves, which have a dark purple color. They bloom over a long period from May to autumn. Under our conditions, the plants overwinter well. Only in harsh winters does significant damage occur. In spring, it begins to develop very early because the leaves withstand early spring frosts. See the photo:

Chemical composition and use of the black mallow plant

The leaves and flowers of black mallow contain glycosides up to 10%, then tannins, organic acids, etc. It was used very early as a medicinal herb, but now as tea during upper respiratory tract inflammations as well as to soothe coughs.

Conditions for success

Climate - This wild species is found everywhere, while it is cultivated in soils exposed to the sun and protected from the wind.

Soil - It has no special requirements but is better suited to light soils with good structure, more fertility, and good water and air control.

Cultivation

Crop rotation: annual plants can be cultivated in circulation but also tolerate monoculture well. On the same surface, they can be cultivated for 3–4 years, while as pre-cultures, rotary crops are suitable.

Soil cultivation – Basic tillage in autumn and surface tillage in spring shortly before sowing the seed or planting the seedling.

Propagation - Propagated mainly by seed or seedlings

Direct sowing with seeds is done at the beginning of April, with a distance of 60-70 cm between rows and 20-30 cm within rows. For 1 ha, 1.5-2 kg of seed is needed. This is planted at a depth of 2 cm; after 15-20 days, the plant has 4-5 permanent leaves, where the first hilling is done and the distances between rows and within the row are established.

Seedling planting – Seedling production is carried out in light greenhouses or tunnels, at the end of February or beginning of March, and within 50–60 days they can grow and develop, then be replaced. During this period, seedlings have 4–6 leaves. Transplanting is done in April, with a 70 cm distance between rows and 20–30 cm within rows.

Care

It includes plowing between rows and irrigation.

Mihja - Keeps the soil loose and free of weeds. It is important at the beginning of plant development. The number of mowings adapts to the soil condition but is applied mostly 2-3 times during the growing season.

Watering - This crop needs watering, especially in the early stages. It responds well to watering in dry weather. Excess moisture negatively affects the appearance of rust and attacks the leaves.

Harvesting - Starts from June until late autumn. The length of the harvest depends on climatic conditions and soil moisture during the summer. Besides the flowers, leaf harvesting also begins in July.

Drying - After harvesting, the flowers are best dried in a dryer at temperatures up to 50°C. Under natural conditions, drying should be protected in a closed, dark-colored space. For 1 kg of dry material, 8 kg of fresh herbs are needed. The leaves are also dried at 60°C with a ratio of 1 to 5-6 kg. Harvesting should be quick in order to preserve the natural and beautiful color. Tunnel greenhouses, mentioned in the general part of the brochure, can also be used for drying.