Lavatera - Mont Blanc - 75 Flower Seeds - Hardy annual

Lavatera Mont Blanc - This modern variety plant, very hardy and fast-growing, and freely seeding itself for future years - the ripe seeds are easily gathered for storing before pulling plants up in the autumn. It is a native of southern Europe and Syria, but is not deterred by cooler climates, and may be sown outdoors in autumn to flower earlier than from spring sowings. 'Mont Blanc' is the perfect variety for grouping in sunny spots in borders, where the pure white blooms, 10cm (4in) across, stand out as shining highlights all summer.

This is a modern variety of an old cottage garden plant, very hardy and fast-growing, Lavatera trimestris is an annual cousin of the perennial mallow, with larger flowers. 

Dwarf, bushy and well branched the plants are weather resistant and, growing to only 65cm (25in) the plants do not staking. They are smothered in flowers from mid-summer to autumn. The flowers are large 10cm (4in) across and are excellent for cutting. 

An economical way to quickly and effectively fill a large border which produces an abundance of stunning, pure white prominently veined funnel-shaped flowers are deliciously fragrant which positively sparkle in evening light!

• RHS Award of Garden Merit winner.
• ?Common Name: Mallow
• Genus: Lavatera
• Species: trimestris
• HA - Hardy annual.
• Height 75-91cm (2½-3').
• Plant Classification: Annual/Bienniall
• Fast-growing, large blooms
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy

Sowing: 
Sow from late autumn to late spring. 

• The seed of Lavatera is quite large and can be direct sown where the plants are intended to flower. 
   
• Seeds can be direct sown or sown under glass from March onwards. 
   
• The optimum growing temperature is 21°C (70°F). 
   
• Germination usually takes 14 to 21 days. 

Sowing Indoors: 
Sow from late autumn to early spring

• Seeds can also be sown indoors from September to March (6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date). Because Lavatera grow quickly, it is better to plant seeds into a large pot, (15 to 20cm / 6 to 8in) rather than planting into small cells, which will eliminate the need for pricking out later. 

• Sow three seeds to each pot, plant 2mm (1/16in) deep in John Innes seed compost. Barely cover the seeds with compost or vermiculite. Make sure that the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination. 
   
• Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged. Place in the greenhouse, preferably unheated, or cold frame. Remove the polythene bag once seedlings appear. The seeds will soon germinate and by mid-May they should be ready to plant out in the garden border. Plant out up to 75cm (30in) apart.

Sowing Direct: 
Sow from March onwards. 

• Sow thinly, 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in well cultivated soil, raked to a fine tilth. Water regularly, especially in dry periods.

• When large enough to handle, thin out until they are 30cm (12in) apart in spring

•  All seed is coated to guard against disease during emergence and to give better disease resistance throughout the cultur

Hints & Tips:

Remove dead heads to prolong flowering. Pinch out the central growing tip, when plants are about 1cm (4") tall, to encourage bushy growth.

Ideal for centre of beds, back of a border or containers

Suitable for the garden, allotments and containers.

Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.