Common wireweed
Sida acuta · Malvaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant common wireweed: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- Summer to autumn, yellow flowers
- Adult size
- 0.5 to 1.2 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, annual or biennial plant in temperate climates
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa
- Soil type
- Well-drained soils, tolerates poor soils
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, especially in summer. Keep the substrate moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter or when growing in cooler zones.
Light
Place your plant in full sun for optimal growth and abundant flowering. It tolerates partial shade but will flower less generously. Protect it from cold winds in temperate climates.
Pruning and cutting
Pinch the young stems in spring to encourage branching and a more compact shape. Remove spent flowers to stimulate new buds. At the end of the season, cut back the plant or let it senesce naturally.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Reduce applications in winter. A plant in poor soil will benefit from compost rich in organic matter at planting time.
Soil
Prepare a well-drained substrate rich in humus. Sida acuta tolerates moderately poor soils but develops better with sufficient fertility. A light, airy mix optimizes growth and limits waterlogging risks.
Diseases and pests
Watch for whitefly and spider mite attacks indoors or in warm greenhouses. Good air circulation reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Remove diseased leaves and ensure regular cleaning at the base of the plant.
Did you know?
Sida acuta, known by the common name 'fanweed', owes this nickname to the traditional use of its robust fibres for making woven objects in tropical regions. In Asian and African traditional medicine, this herbaceous plant has been used for centuries, though its exact properties remain scientifically unconfirmed. Its scientific name 'Sida' derives from the Greek 'sídan', an ancient term already designating a fibrous plant of the Malvaceae family.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.