Marsh Mallow Seed - Althaea Officinalis Herb Seeds

Marsh Mallow Seeds

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Herb Specifications

Season: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3 - 9

Height: 48 inches

Bloom Season: Mid summer to early fall

Bloom Color: White

Environment: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Type: Prefers sandy, moist soil

Deer Resistant: Yes

Latin Name: Althaea Officinalis

Planting Directions

Temperature: Max 41F

Average Germ Time: Germination irregular, often several months

Light Required: No

Depth: Sow seeds just below the soil surface

Sowing Rate: 5 - 6 seeds per plant

Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination

Plant Spacing: 18 - 24 inches

Marsh Mallow (Althaea Officinalis) - Every herb garden needs to have this versatile perennial! It is highly regarded as a beneficial medicinal herb and has been widely used for the last 2000 years in both foods and in medicines. It is native to Europe but can be found growing in many places around the world. It is easy to grow from Marsh Mallow seeds, and it also makes a lovely flowering display as well as having therapeutic benefits.

Both the roots and the leaves have a slimy substance called mucilage. When the mucilage is mixed with water, it creates a viscous gel that coats and sooths irritated mucous membranes. It is used for coughs, colds, sore throats, stomach and intestinal conditions. It is also very beneficial when applied to skin abrasions or insect bites. The Marshmallow root is yellow-white and sweet. It is similar in taste to a parsnip. The roots can be harvested in the fall for drying.

Plant history

The history of our modern day sugary marshmallow goes back to this herb plant. The gummy substance, mucilage, was actually the thickening ingredient in a dessert made from egg whites.

marsh mallow flowers

Herb seed | marsh mallow

How to grow

How To Grow Marsh Mallow From Seed: Marshmallow herb plants prefer moist soils. Some gardeners recommend a fall planting so that the cold temperatures aid in the germination of the Marshmallow herb seeds.

If starting the Marshmallow seeds indoors, place the herb seeds in moistened peat moss, and place the peat moss/seed mixture in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 weeks. After that cold treatment, sow the herb seeds in small pots. Once established, the Marsh Mallow plant is known to self-seed but not in an aggressive way.

  • Sowing Rate: 5 - 6 seeds per plant
  • Average Germ Time: Irregular, often over several months
  • Keep moist until germination
  • Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds
  • Depth: Sow seeds just below the soil surface
white marsh mallow seeds

Plant Specifications

It is a branching plant that reaches 36 to 48 inches in height. The stems are slightly wooly and the leaves are soft and downy. The flowers reach 2 inches across, have 5 petals and range in color from white to reddish-white. Hummingbirds enjoy their sweet nectar.

  • Height: 48 inches
  • USDA Zones: 9 - 9
  • Season: Perennial