(Althaea officinalis) Marshmallow is a cold-hardy perennial that requires little maintenance. Native to North Africa and Western Europe and is particularly notable in ancient Egyptian history. Marshmallow continues to be used for medicinal and edible purposes today.
Egyptians used marshmallow herb to create a confection using the sap in the root that inspired the marshmallow treat we know today. Although this confection was reserved for royalty and the gods.
Today, there is no marshmallow herb present in the modern marshmallow, as gelatin replaces the root sap. Marshmallow flowers, root, and leaves of the plant are all edible.
• Scroll down for detailed growing info •
All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
• Heirloom
• Organic
• Non-GMO
• Open Pollinated
• Untreated
• US Grown
• growing instructions included
• Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
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• NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
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• DIRECTIONS •
Scientific Name:
Althaea officinalis
Hardiness Zone:
Annual, Perennial Zones 3-9
Days to Harvest:
80-90 days (from date of transplanting)
Days to Maturity:
90 days
Days to Germination:
14-21 days
Seeding Depth:
just below the surface, about ¼” at most
Plant Width:
24-30"
Plant Height:
36-60"
Growth Habit:
Bushy and upright wildflower
Soil Preference:
Fertile, consistently moist, well-drained
Temp Preference:
Temperate, 60-75°F
Light Preference:
Full sun - partial shade
Pests/Diseases:
Marshmallow has a weed-like hardiness with a tolerance to disease but can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, flea beetles
~ sowing ~
Direct sow the seed in late summer or early fall; the seed will remain dormant until spring. If not planted in the fall, these seeds will need to be stratified to break their dormancy.
Mix the seed with an equal amount of sand and store it in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks. Start the seeds indoors in a flat, just below the surface. Keep the soil evenly moist and at a temperature of 70 degrees F until sprouting. The germination rate may be naturally low.
As soon as the seedlings can be safely handled and there is no chance of frost, transplant them.
~ growing ~
Since this plant naturally grows in marshy ground, the plants will need to be watered well to keep the soil moist. It prefers moist to wet soil and full sun, though it also adapts to well-drained soil.
A layer of mulch will help conserve moisture and control weeds. Established plants will self seed, but volunteer plants can easily be transplanted or removed. Plants can also be propagated by division.
This plant attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
~ harvesting ~
The sweet, thick taproot of Marsh Mallow can be harvested in the autumn from plants of at least two years growth. If a few small roots are left on the plant, it will continue to grow.
Eaten fresh as a vegetable, the roots have a taste similar to a parsnip. They can also be dried for later use. The leaves can be harvested individually and used fresh or dried.
~ seed saving ~
After the flowers fade, a seed pod will develop. When the pods begin to dry and the seeds inside ripen to a brown, remove the pods individually and spread them out to dry.
Separate the seed from the pods and store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.
