Zeedman
Garden Master
Just an odd observation I've noticed over the years, in how some plants can change greatly, depending upon the season & day length. This has been most notable in the "Zebrina" mallow (Malva sylvestris) which I've allowed to naturalize in my vegetable gardens. The seeds will sprout all season long, and the late Summer / Fall plants are MUCH different that the Spring / early Summer plants.
"Zebrina", Summer phenotype. Small leaves, and flowering is early & heavy.
"Zebrina", Fall phenotype. The leaves are exceptionally large, and the plants will bloom much later in their growth cycle. These plants will survive several frosts, and be the last pollen sources for bees. With the exceptionally late hard freeze this year, these plants have become huge! Supposedly all mallows are edible, I'm tempted to try some of these as pot herbs.
"Zebrina", Summer phenotype. Small leaves, and flowering is early & heavy.
"Zebrina", Fall phenotype. The leaves are exceptionally large, and the plants will bloom much later in their growth cycle. These plants will survive several frosts, and be the last pollen sources for bees. With the exceptionally late hard freeze this year, these plants have become huge! Supposedly all mallows are edible, I'm tempted to try some of these as pot herbs.
