Althaea officinalis - Marsh Mallow - Common Marshmallow - Seeds

Description

• Malvaceae Malvales
• Europe, North Africa and Asia
• H 2m x L 1m
•  Z3 
• Perennial
• Synonyms : Malva officinalis, Althaea vulgaris, Althaea taurinensis, Althaea sublobata
• 1 packet of 50 seeds

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Details

Wild cousin of the Hollyhock (Althaea sinensis)

Large plant with erect, sparsely branched, downy stems, along which three-lobed leaves are arranged, downy on their underside
The stems emerge in the spring from a woody perennial stump with white, fleshy roots, and die off in the fall
The flowers appear in the summer in the axils of the leaves in the upper part of the plant
They are carried by short peduncles, and are grouped in clusters on thin stems
Blooming is uninterrupted throughout the summer
Flowers are very melliferous and ornamental (pale pastel pink color, garnet anthers)

The plant was traditionally cultivated to prepare marshmallows (candies)

It is best known for its medicinal uses linked to its softening properties :

• Antitussive
• Demulcent
• Diuretic
• Emollient
• Laxative
• Odontalgic

All parts of the plant can be used (Leaf, Flower, Root), most often the flower in Herbe Tea

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Cultivation

Very easy

Sowing the seeds in spring :

1. directly in place making sure to maintain soil moisture and protect seeds and seedlings from pests and weed choking
2. in sheltered pots (transplanting in the ground in May, in sunny exposure and sheltered from strong winds)

Water regularly the first summer, while the plant grows stronger and becomes established
It prefers moist soils
Cut the dead stems during the winter, and fertilize the stump with a little manure spread out on the surface of the soil before spring

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Harvest

Pick the flowers as they bloom and dry them in the shade for later use

Pull out stumps that are several years old for different uses (cooking, medicinal, candies)