The marshmallow plant, also referred to as marsh-mallow, may be a useful perennial with many medicinal uses. Althaea officinalis features a rich history that has been described in historical documents from Egyptian, Roman and Syrian sources, and its use as a food source made it a crucial plant in civilizations going back centuries.

The marshmallow candy we all know and love is predicated on a confection made by the traditional Egyptians from the plant’s root. When this is often boiled it creates the gelatinous substance and texture marshmallows are famous for. Today’s marshmallows, however, not contain any trace of the plant. In times of famine following failure in Syria, marshmallow root was an important source of food. additionally to the medicinal and nutritious properties of the marshmallow’s roots, the flowers also are edible and may be eaten in salads.

The plant is usually confused with the Malva neglecta (Malva sylvestris) but its appearance are often differentiated by its multiple stems, the fuzzy down on its stems and foliage, and therefore the blush colored flowers. These are smaller, paler and more numerous than the Malva neglecta , with a darker pink center.

It is also easily confused with Lavatera or velvetleaf . The Malva neglecta features a darker-colored flower that appears purple; while the marshmallow can sometimes range from an almost white color to a light-weight pink; lavatera’s flowers are a bright shade of spun sugar pink and therefore the leaves are spiky.

Marshmallow plants grow between four to 5 feet tall and may placed on a quite dramatic show within the garden while in bloom. Their tall elegant spikes are covered with flowers from July to September. They’re also loved by pollinators. Brown seed pods begin to make in Late September, releasing tiny black seeds when mature.

Marshmallow Plant Care

Marshmallow plants reseed themselves, though aren’t terribly invasive. you’ll see them growing along a marshy roadside or during a meadow, and sometimes a volunteer will crop up during a home garden. they’re generally easy to worry for, and may be an honest option for wet gardens.

Soil

True to its name, the marshmallow likes marshy, wet areas. If there’s a spot in your yard where the soil stays damp this might be an honest place to grow these plants.

Marshes even have slightly acidic conditions, so adding some sphagnum to your planting area may help the marshmallow feel more reception . Other soil additives to feature include some sand and compost, including used dregs . you’re aiming for a rather acidic, moisture-retaining sandy loam mixture. Don’t worry an excessive amount of about getting acidic conditions, though, as these flowers aren’t fussy about pH levels.

Light

Marshmallow plants like full sun, but if you simply have limited sun available (at least four hours), then morning sun is preferable therefore the flowers will open up.

Water

Moist soil is best for marshmallow plants, and if you’re trying to grow them in a neighborhood that tends to remain dry they very likely won’t flourish. Standing water areas could also be too wet for them, however.

The plants do need a reasonably consistent state of moisture. Using moisture-retaining soil amendments may help. sphagnum and compost added to your soil are often advantageous. If your plants return the year after planting, you’ll know the moisture levels are hospitable for your marshmallows.

How to Grow Marshmallow Plants From Seeds

Marshmallow plants are often easily planted from seed. It’s not quite common to ascertain them purchasable during a garden shop, but you’ll order the seeds online. The seeds do best if they are going through a chilly stratification process before planting, mimicking their cycle in nature.

You can place your seeds within the refrigerator for a couple of weeks, whether in their package or during a plastic baggie with some lightly-moistened sphagnum . this may mimic the winter dormancy period needed for the seeds to germinate.

Start the seeds indoors three to four weeks before the last frost date, or sow outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.

Sow them in groups of 5 or six seeds, in groupings 18-24 inches apart. Lightly cover them with soil, and keep moist until they germinate. This usually takes about three to four weeks. Once established, these hardy plants will return per annum .