Marshmallow Plant

Marshmallow Plant is a charming perennial herb with soft, velvety leaves and beautiful pale pink or white flowers. Marshmallow typically grows to about 3 to 4 feet in height, making it an ideal addition to any garden or herb bed. Known for its historical use in soothing sore throats and digestive issues, it’s not only a garden beauty but also has a rich medicinal history. The plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and enjoys full sun to partial shade. Its striking flowers bloom from midsummer to fall, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. With its easy-to-grow nature and long-lasting beauty, Marshmallow Plant is perfect for creating a low-maintenance yet visually appealing garden. Its roots can be harvested for making herbal teas, while its leaves can be used in poultices, making it a versatile and practical addition to any home garden. Its adaptability to a variety of climates and soil conditions also makes it a favorite among gardeners looking for a resilient, multi-purpose plant.

Also Known As: Marshmallow, Althaea, Common Marshmallow, Dyeplant, White Mallow, Sweet Weed, Malva Althea, Althaea Rosea, Greek Mallow, Bigroot, Mallow Herb, Sweet Mallow, Marshmallow Plant.

Plant Name:	Marshmallow
Latin Name:	Althaea officinalis
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Bloom:	90-120
Plant Height:	3 - 6 Feet
Spread:	2 - 4 Feet
Bloom Diameter:	1 - 2 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	3-9
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally cold-stratify seeds for at least 30 days then start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant after the first hard frost in early Spring to cold-stratify seeds. Plants will germinate in late Spring when the soil warms to at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights. For blooms in late Spring of the following year, sow outdoors after the first hard frost in Fall to cold-stratify seeds.

To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 1-2 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 1-2 feet apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	1-2 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Marshmallow prefers receiving consistent moisture, especially in dry periods, while avoiding waterlogging. Regularly remove weeds around the plant to prevent competition for nutrients and keep the soil loose to promote good root development. While it can tolerate partial shade, it flourishes best in full sun. Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth, but be cautious not to overfeed, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. As the plant matures, you can prune back spent flowers to encourage new blooms. If growing in colder climates, consider mulching around the base in the fall to protect the roots from frost.