Marshmallow plant seeds
Marshmallow has been used for centuries due to their curative properties. Its Greek name is Altea which translates into "healing plant". The roots are used for tea, or dried and made into a powder. The powder can be used as a vegan flour and thickener. The blooms of the Marsh Mallow are small and resemble a hibiscus. The petals are white, and the center is a deep burgundy color.
When you read the ingredients on "Marshmallows" today, they are made of egg whites, high fructose corn syrup, and gelatin. Real Marshmallows used to be made with the sweet and earthy root of this plant.
Marsh Mallow is a perennial (related to the hibiscus) that can grow up to 4 feet. It is used for medicinal, culinary, and ornamental purposes. Marsh Mallow grows hardy in zones 3-10.
Seed count: 15
**Cold stratification required prior to sowing. Read our growing instructions on how to stratify your seeds.
Botanic name:
Althaea officinalis
Plant spacing:
10" - 12" apart
Color:
White blooms with pink centers
Sowing depth:
1/4"
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
This can be grown as a decorative ornamental, or harvested for it's roots for homemade marshmallows, teas, or ground into powder for various uses.
Frost hardy:
Yes
Maturity days:
First-year, foliage and branches will grow. In the second year, blossoms will be prevalent. By the third year, the roots will be big enough to harvest. The longer the marshmallow plant is allowed to grow, the bigger the roots will be.
Life cycle:
Perennial
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes, but with limitations. These are perennials so the containers will need to be brought in to overwinter.
Other names:
Abelmosk, Ambrette, Muskdana, or Musk Okra
Hardiness zones:
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Growing Instructions:
1. Seed Stratification (4-6 Weeks Prior to Sowing):
- Why Stratification? Marshmallow seeds require a period of cold, moist stratification to break dormancy and germinate successfully. This mimics the natural winter conditions they would experience.
- The Process:
- Gather your marshmallow seeds, a sealable plastic bag, and some moist (not soaking wet) peat moss or paper towel.
- Place the seeds between layers of the moist peat moss or folded moist paper towel.
- Seal the mixture in the plastic bag.
- Label the bag with the date.
- Place the bag in your refrigerator (not the freezer) for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Periodically check the bag to ensure the peat moss or paper towel remains moist.
2. Sowing the Seeds:
- Timing: After stratification, sow the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area.
- Materials:
- Seed starting trays or small pots.
- Seed starting mix (a fine, well-draining soil).
- Water spray bottle.
- The Process:
- Fill the seed starting trays or pots with seed starting mix.
- Sow the stratified seeds lightly on the surface of the soil, and very lightly cover them with seed starting mix. Marshmallow seeds need light to germinate.
- Gently mist the soil with water to moisten it.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Provide warm temperatures (60-70°F or 15-21°C) for germination. Grow lights are very beneficial.
- Germination can take 2-3 weeks, or sometimes longer.
3. Seedling Care:
- Light: Once the seedlings emerge, provide them with plenty of bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Continue to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Thinning: If seedlings are crowded, thin them out to provide adequate space for growth.
4. Hardening Off:
- Purpose: Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, they need to be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions.
- The Process:
- About 1-2 weeks before transplanting, begin placing the seedlings outdoors in a sheltered location for a few hours each day.
- Gradually increase the amount of time they spend outdoors each day.
- Protect them from strong winds and direct sunlight during the hardening off period.
5. Transplanting:
- Timing: Transplant the seedlings outdoors after the last risk of frost has passed.
- Location: Choose a sunny location with well-drained, moist soil. Marshmallow prefers conditions that are similar to a marshy area, but not standing water.
- Spacing: Space the plants about 12-24 inches apart.
- The Process:
- Gently remove the seedlings from their trays or pots.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Place the seedling in the hole and fill it with soil.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulching around the plant will help to retain moisture.
6. Ongoing Care:
- Watering: Marshmallow prefers consistently moist soil, so water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Harvesting:
- Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season.
- Roots are typically harvested in the fall of the second year.
Important Considerations:
- Marshmallow can grow quite tall, so provide adequate space.
- It is a perennial plant, so it will come back year after year.
- When harvesting roots, be mindful that you may not want to harvest all of the roots, from every plant, every year, to ensure the plant will return the following year.
