Marshmallow Seed, Althea officinalis

The Marshmallow Plant ( Althaea officinalis ) is a perennial medicinal herb as has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. The Genus name comes from the Greek word ‘althein’ which means ‘to heal’. Aside from its many healing properties, Marshmallow leaves, flowers and even its seeds are edible but it the roots of the plant that is the most prized.

GROW: 

For best germination results cold stratification is necessary. If you live in a climate that has a cool winter, you can sow them outdoors (in pots or in the ground) in late autumn to mid-winter for natural stratification. If not, please follow the refrigerator method below.

Step 1

Place a teaspoon of moist soil or peat moss (if you can squeeze water out of it, it is too wet) into the zip lock bag you receive your seeds in. Write the date on the packet and place it into the crisper of your fridge for 4-6 weeks.

Step 2

Sow the seeds onto the surface of a well-draining soil and cover lightly – light helps this species germinate so only a thin layer is needed on top (1 mm).

Moisten and leave in a warm, well-lit, or sunny position.

Ideal temperatures for germination are 17-23°C/65-75°F.

Marshmallow seeds should germinate erratically but usually you will start to see some germination within 14-21 days in optimal conditions.

Step 3

Keep moist, not wet throughout germination – do not allow the soil to dry out completely at any stage.

Seedlings are ready for transplant if necessary (if in pots) once they have at least 2 adult leaves.

Step 4

Final position should preferably be in full sun. It will tolerate some shade. Marshmallow can withstand some drought once strong enough. Marshmallow will die off as the winter weather gets closer but will pop back up in spring when the weather warms again.

Can be grown in pots.

HARVEST: When the plant starts to die back in early fall, remove parts of the roots with a spade. Unless you harvest the entire marshmallow root, this plant will continue growing in the spring. We know you’re eager for marshmallows, but wait until the plant is a couple years old before harvesting the roots. After all, those gorgeous flowers deserve an encore next summer! Marsh mallow grows from a tap root, which you must include when you divide the plant. In late summer or fall, when the plant is dormant, use a spade to slice off a chunk of the plant all the way through the roots. Replant the division in its new location and fill in the soil from where you took it.

USE: The leaves, seeds and roots of marshmallow are the parts used. Since marshmallow is edible all over, there are several ways to harvest it. Marshmallow is usually grown for the roots, which are used to thicken up the liquified sugar solutions used to make marshmallows.