The leaves of the hollyhock show you whether the plant is doing well, whether it needs water or is perhaps suffering from a fungus. They're even edible - it's not just the snails who have discovered that.
What are the special features and problems with hollyhock leaves?
The leaves of the hollyhock are edible and can be used as an addition to salads. Spots on the leaves may indicate mallow rust, which can be controlled by removing infected leaves and providing good care. Snails are common pests of this plant.
Can I use the leaves of my hollyhocks?
You can use the young leaves of your hollyhock as a salad addition. They are just as edible as all other parts of the plant. The taste is quite mild. Only use undamaged and he althy leaves in the kitchen. The flowers[, on the other hand, taste slightly sweet. They are often used for tea blends. The hollyhock is one of the ancient medicinal plants and has a wide range of effects.
Why do my hollyhock leaves have spots?
If the leaves of your hollyhock have spots, then the plant is probably suffering from a disease and it is probably mallow rust. Yellow spots can be seen on the upper side of the leaf, while on the underside these are reddish and raised, like small pustules. It is best to cut off affected leaves immediately and dispose of them with household waste. The fungal spores could survive in the compost and later infect other plants.
The best prevention against mallow rust is a sunny location, sufficient distance from neighboring plants and good care. If your hollyhock has enough nutrients and water, it will be more resistant to disease. Watering with compost or horsetail manure helps strengthen the plant.
Who is nibbling the leaves of my hollyhocks?
Not only people like the hollyhock, it is also very popular with snails. The hungry animals can put so much strain on young plants in particular that their survival is at risk. The use of snail pellets (€16.00 at Amazon) can make sense here, but only if you don't have any pets that can snack on them.
Even if small children play in your garden, you should be careful with slug pellets and other chemicals. Then collecting in the evening may be the best method for pest control.
The most important things in brief:
- tasty salad addition
- very popular with snails
- susceptible to mallow rust
- First signs of mallow rust: yellow spots and reddish pustules
Tip
Put the young leaves of your hollyhock in your salad.
