Marshmallow
(Althaea officinalis) – Perennial in the Mallow Family originally native to Africa. Grey-green leaves are soft and fuzzy, flowers white. To five feet high in second year and after. A prized medicinal since the time of the ancient Egyptians, who made a confectionary out of the root. Indeed, this is the original “marshmallow”, of which the sugar and corn syrup and gelatin candy is a junk food version. As medicine, the mucilaginous nature of the root is soothing and coating. Often used in combination with harsher plants that need cushioning. Quite delectable when chopped up and cooked into honey. Used to treat ulcers or heartburn (which we have personally found effective). Leaves can be dried and used in smoking mixes.
Cultivation & harvesting suggestions: Easy. Sow in Spring in regular garden soil. Thin to 12-18 inches apart the first year. Second year and older plants need 18-24 inch spacing. Full sun to part shade. Needs regular watering (as the name tells you!). Harvest roots in Autumn of second year or later. Best used fresh!
Contains 250 seeds.
