Marshmallow

Description
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a perennial plant indigenous to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. Historically used for creating the marshmallow confection, the plant is now predominantly grown for making herb teas and as beneficial insect attracting shrub. Marshmallow’s creamy white roots are extremely mucilaginous and have a wonderful flavor when simmered. Second year plants can reach up to six feet tall and form gorgeous white/light purple blossoms. How large plants grow contingent of how much water they receive. Provide plants generous spacing, as root crowns can increase substantially year over year.

Marshmallow is a perennial plant frost hardy to zones 3 and above. Large stalks and flowers form on second year plants. We recommend waiting to harvest roots until their second year of establishment, as improper harvesting may kill first year plants. With that said, first year root harvests are possible if you start seeds in late winter/early spring.

Specifications
Common Name:Marshmallow
Scientific Name:Althaea officinalis
Description:This perennial shrub produces creamy rhizomes and elegant blossoms. 5 feet tall when in bloom.
Plant Lifespan:Perennial
Cold Hardiness (F):Zone 3a (-40 to -35)
Light Requirements:Full Sun (min. 6 hours a day)
Seed In:Spring-Summer
Seeding Depth:1/8 in.
Days to Sprout:7-14
Optimal Soil Temperature (F):50-60
Plant Spacing:2-3 ft.
Plant Height:5 ft.
Average Days from Seed to Harvest:120-150