Althaea Officinalis
HERB-MARSHMALLOW is an extremely valuable & easy-to-grow medicinal plant. It soothes irritated mucous membranes in the digestive tract/lungs, & gives relief to a sore throat. The leaves & flowers are used but are considered to be less medicinally potent. As an added bonus, marshmallow is a striking beauty in the garden, up to 2m tall in fertile soil, with ample pink & white flowers of 2.5 -5cm that bees love. African native. The original source of an Egyptian confection which evolved into today’s marshmallows. The roots & velvety leaves have been eaten as a vegetable for centuries, often fried with onion & garlic.
Mix seeds with moist but well-drained starting medium in a large zip lock bag & place in the fridge. If seeds start to 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, transplant to larger containers, gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions. Perennial