Marsh Mallow [Althaea officinalis]

The perennial marsh mallow is a tea and medicinal plant with an expectorant effect. The well-known sweet "marshmallow" was once made from this plant. Nowadays it is used in cough medicines and teas. Ideal for direct sowing, no pot cultivation, sowing spring-winter, good for mixed cultivation, harvesting the roots, flowers and leaves.

 Description 
Marsh mallow is a very old, perennial tea and medicinal plant that was already cultivated in ancient times for its expectorant properties 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 medicine and teas. The solitary plant grows in clumps and forms 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: Low
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -15°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, slightly loamy, humus

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination 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

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

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

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from December to January is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from January to March is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Germination is naturally irregular. Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Marsh mallow ideally prefers a soil that is moderately nutrient-rich, moist and permeable, with some clay and humus. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In warm locations, a 4-week artificial stratification at 0°C is necessary for the seeds to germinate. In cold climates, young plants require protection from the cold in the first two years after planting. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root division.

 Plant care 
Spring is the ideal time to prune the plants. A strong pruning in the fall will result in more lush flower growth the following summer. Remove branches with frost damage and shoots bearing fruit. Loosened soil is sufficient. Fertilization is only recommended every year in spring.

 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

 Origin 
Country: Portugal