(Althea officinalis MALVACEAE)
Tall, ornamental, velvety leaved plant with large, soft pink flowers clustered in the leaf axils. A plant of many uses, the seeds, flowers, and young leaves of marshmallow make a nice addition to salads. Use the leaves as cooked greens or fry the roots after boiling. Medicinal: Marshmallow has the highest concentration of muco-polysaccharides in the mallow family. The roots are especially rich in mucilage (18-35%) and natural sugars. When dried and cut into cross sections they make flavorful root lozenges for gastric ulcer. The flowers can be gathered to make expectorant syrups for coughs. Leaves gathered after flowering can be used to make infusions helpful for the mucous membranes of the bronchial and respiratory tracts. Soothes irritations of the eyes and skin.
Details:
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| Flowers: | | creamy white mallow-type flowers |
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| Foliage: | | soft, velvety |
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| Lifecycle: | | 2 (0: N/A, 1: annual, 2: perennial, 3: biennial) |
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| Height: | | 48 to 60 inches |
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| Diameter: | | 12 to 18 inches: |
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| Heirloom: | | no |
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| Container Planting: | | yes |
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Cultural Requirements:
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| USDA Zones: | | 4 to 9 |
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| Propagation / Germination: | | Sratification recommended for 2 to 4 weeks before growing on at 70. Germinates in 10 to 35 days. Press into soil surface since light may aid germination. |
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| Spacing: | | 18 to 24 inches apart |
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| Sun: | | Full sun to light shade |
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| Water: | | Does best in moist, well-drained soil |
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| Pests and Diseases: | | None noted. |
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Garden Medicinals offers over 220 varieties of medicinal and culinary herb seeds, roots, potato onions, specialty garlic varieties, and select heirloom vegetable and ethnic flower seed. All seeds are non-gmo, open-pollinated and untreated. Most seeds are naturally grown and a few are certified organic. Our vegetable seeds do especially well in hot, humid climates where vegetable production can be difficult. Our herb selection also includes dormant root stock of ginger, ginseng, goldenseal, black cohosh, false unicorn, and wild yam.
Note: Medicinal uses of herbs mentioned in our store are not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please see a qualified medical practitioner for diagnosis if you have a health problem.
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