100 Marshmallow seeds, Althaea officinalis
Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis. Perennial.
This is the plant responsible for the sticky sweet treat, featuring sugar, chemicals and powdered marshmallow root. The sugary confection has been made from the root of the Marshmallow plant since ancient times!
Marshmallow is traditionally used as relief for irritation of mucous membranes, including use as a gargle for mouth and throat ulcers and gastric ulcers. In Russia, the root syrup is sold without a prescription by pharmacies, with intent to treat respiratory and digestive ailments.
A lovely, ornamental plant in addition to its medicinal and culinary properties. Marshmallow is a perennial shrub that offers large, pale pink blooms on erect plants with large green leaves. Grows up to 4 Ft tall, Full Sun. USDA Zones 3-10.
Marshmallow herb plants prefer moist soils and germinate in cooler temps. Fall planting in cold temperatures will aid in the germination of marshmallow herb seeds. If starting marshmallow seeds indoors, a period of cold stratification is needed: place the herb seeds in moistened peat moss, and place in the refrigerator for four to six weeks. Keep moist and check frequently. When seeds germinate, transplant immediately.
After stratification, seeds are best started indoors for a few weeks before transplanting outside in mid to late spring. Keep germinating seeds moist, and transplant to larger containers, gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions. Transplant outdoors in mid to late spring.
Once established, the Marshmallow plant is known to self-seed, but not in an aggressive way.