Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) potted plant, organic
$7.50 – $50.00
Family: Mallow (Malvaceae)
Hardy to Zones 3 to 7
The Latin name says it all–this plant is a healer extraordinaire. And, this healing comes in a fairly humble package, although actually the plant does flower rather gloriously. Marshmallow prefers full sun to part shade, rich, moist garden soil and poor drainage (ie clay) is not a problem. The herb may be dried for tea or the root sliced and dried for direct consumption. The effects are immune enhancing and healing to the gastrointestinal system, largely used for treating colds, influenza, fevers, urinary infections and ulcers. See “Making Plant Medicine.” Space plants 2 feet apart.
Potted plant, Certified Organically Grown
Question
Robert Campbell –
I live in the San Diego area, zone 10a. Is there any possibility of successfully growing this in a location that receives 4 – 6 hours of morning sun, followed by afternoon filtered shade. I primary concern is its heat tolerance, we have been experiencing more extreme heat (90°s) days these last few summers.
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Richo Cech –
Hi Robert,
Mallows have fuzzy leaves and contain lots of heat-protective mucilage–they are one of the better plants to work with in hot and dry areas–I wouldn’t hesitate. richo
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Question
alaaldein Elshgeirat –
Is this marshmallow root ?
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Admin Richo Cech –
yes
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Laura Meyer –
Does Marshmallow grow very well on the west side of the mountains in Washington State? I am 20 minutes north of Seattle. We use a lot of Marshmallow and i was hoping to grow it in my garden. Thank you!
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hello Laura,
Yes, this is one of the most adaptable and easily grown of herbs. I just found one volunteering along my driveway this morning, a nice rosette, and I have really no idea how it got there, the marshmallow field is at some distance!
Richo
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Judy –
I have grown Marshmallow from seed a few times (in N.E. Texas) and hoped it would self-sow but it never did. One location I tried was morning sun only and the other was afternoon sun. Any advice to get it to self-sow or would I always need to consider it an annual? Thanks!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Judy, Marshmallow works best when sown by people because we have a chance to scarify the seed. It doesn’t tend to self-seed like other mallows. It should be perennial unless dug up. richo
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Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
Vicki Fisher –
This is a great plant! The picture shows my plant just small (about two feet high right now). Expect everything the first year! We have used it for tea (and it does a sore throat good!), my tortoises eat the leaves and the blossoms and it is a pretty plant (like all mallows IMO). and Hardy!
Photo has been removed
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