How to Grow Lavateras from Seeds

Lavatera is the genus name for a small group of flowering plants commonly known as "tree mallows." Although Lavateras possess a range of growth habits, all share similar flowers, which resemble those of hibiscus but with a purplish-pink coloration and a dark center. Seed propagation is the most reliable means of growing Lavatera plants at home, but the seeds must be sown indoors two months before the last frost so that the plants are well-established and strong before they are planted outside in spring.

Six-pack planting container
Potting soil
Spray bottle
Warming mat

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a six-pack planting container with potting soil. Firm the soil into each cell of the planting container so that the surface is even.
- 2
  Sow two Lavatera seeds in each cell of the six-pack planting container. Sow the seeds a quarter-inch deep and firm the soil well on top of them.
- 3
  Spritz the soil in the six-pack planting container with a water-filled spray bottle. Moisten the top quarter-inch of soil in each cell. Maintain this level of moisture while the seeds germinate.
- 4
  Set the six-pack planting container on a warming mat. Set the temperature on the warming mat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn off the warming mat at night.
- 5
  Watch for germination in 15 to 20 days. Remove one of the Lavatera seedlings from each cell of the six-pack planting container.
- 6
  Keep the Lavatera seedlings indoors in a warm, bright room until after the last spring frost. Plant the seedlings 36 inches apart in a sunny bed with moist soil after soil temperatures reach 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

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