Marsh Mallow [Althaea officinalis]

The marshmallow is a very old, perennial tea and medicinal plant that was already cultivated in ancient times for its expectorant effect and is widespread throughout Central Europe. In the past, the famous “marshmallows” were made from the sweet-tasting roots and today it is used in cough medicines and teas. The solitary perennial grows in clumps and produces white or pink flowers that also attract insects. All parts of the plant are edible.

General information
Plant family: Althaea
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 150 days
Plant height approx.: 150 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Weak eater
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -15 °C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, moist, slightly loamy, humus

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

Sowing and planting information
Germ type: Light and cold germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 5-10 °C
Germination time: 4-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 60x70 cm

Optimal mixed culture: Bean, Lettuce, Leek, Carrot, Lettuce, Radish
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly outdoors from December to January or pre-cultivate with artificial stratification in small pots from January to May or in autumn from October to December.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly outdoors from January to March or pre-cultivate with artificial stratification in small pots from March to June.

General
Germination is naturally irregular. When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible marshmallow leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Marshmallow prefers a sunny location with moist, permeable, humus-rich and slightly loamy soil. Also grows on saline soils. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
In cold climates, young plants require protection from the cold for the first two years after planting. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds.

Plant care
Spring is the ideal time to cut plants back. A vigorous pruning in autumn results in more lush flower growth next summer. Remove branches with frost damage and fruit-bearing shoots. Regular watering causes faster growth. Beds prepared with animal manure and planting in mixed culture replace additional fertilizer.

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Althaea officinalis
English names: Marsh mallow
German names: Eibisch, Arznei Eibisch, Echter Eibisch, Gebräuchlicher Eibisch
Portuguese names: Malva branca
Spanish names: Malvavisco
French names: Guimauve