
Organic Marshmallow - Althaea officinalis
Famously known for its roots creating the popular confection, marshmallow, this beautiful perennial has been used since ancient times for its medicinal and culinary properties.
Its roots create a creamy mucilaginous liquid that can be made into a myriad of different preparations. Every part is edible - root, stem and flower. The botanical name stems from the Greek word "altho" which means "to cure".
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Perennial
- Sun: Full
- Indoors: 4-6 weeks before last frost
- Direct Sow: No
- Seed Count: 25
- Days to Maturity: 50
- Plant Size: 36" - 60"
- Attracts pollinators
- Drought Tolerant
- Medicinal
Growing Tips:
Leaves and flowers can be harvested at any point in the growing season. Harvest roots in the spring or fall after the plant is a few years old.
If starting seeds indoors, it is key that your new starts be hardened off. This is a process that requires taking them outside during the day, for a period of time, before they are planted. This acclimates your seedlings to the outside world, meaning the elements like the wind and sun. We do it for several weeks to a month as this strengthens their stems and overall plant structure.
- Start for a short period of time initially, then graduate to more time each day
- One week minimum is recommended
- Bring them inside in the early evening and overnight
- Keep an eye on them and constantly water them. Make sure they have not blown over.