Marsh mallow: sowing, care & root benefits
Marsh mallows are fascinating plants that not only look beautiful, but also have healing properties. Find out how to use and plant medicinal marsh mallows here.
Marsh mallows not only adorn gardens with their flowers, but also serve as a bee pasture. Read on to learn more about how to care for marsh mallow in your garden and how you can use this edible medicinal plant.
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Marsh mallow: flowering time, origin and characteristics
Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) belongs to the mallow family known as Malvaceae and is widespread throughout Central Europe. This upright-growing perennial can reach up to 150cm tall and has showy white or pink flowers that are also enjoyed by insects. The flowering period for marsh mallow extends from July to September. In nature, this plant grows in moist or saline habitats. Unfortunately, Althaea officinalis has declined throughout the UK due to habitat degradation.
The anti-inflammatory mucilage of Althaea officinalis, found mainly in the roots, helps against coughs, respiratory problems and pharyngitis. Marsh mallow roots also have a sweet taste and were once used to make the sweet treats of the same name by mixing the roots with beaten egg whites and sugar. Today, they have little to do with the squishy sweet treat we top our hot chocolate with. In addition to the roots, other parts of the plant, such as the flowers and leaves, are edible and can be used in cooking.
Growing marsh mallow
Since the entire plant is edible and the flowers attract pollinators, marsh mallow plants not only look good in the garden, but are extremely useful too!
Sowing marshmallow seeds
Marsh mallow seeds require cold stratification in order to germinate, meaning you will need to place them somewhere cold and moist (e.g. the fridge) for several weeks. When sowing marsh mallow seeds, it is best to sow them in the open between January and March, when temperatures are still low. Sowing marsh mallow seeds outdoors in a pot is also an option. Once temperatures start going up, the seeds will germinate.
The right location
Marsh mallow plants prefer moist and nutrient-rich locations, which is why riparian sites are particularly suitable. Above the soil, they like a warm and sunny place that is sheltered from the wind. Make sure you choose a spot with plenty of room for downward root growth, as white mallow develops a long taproot. Althaea officinalis is a solitary perennial that grows vigorously, so keep a planting distance of 90cm.
Tip: if you want to buy and plant a pre-cultivated marsh mallow plant, the best time for this is after the last frost in spring.
The right soil
Marsh mallows like nutrient-rich, moist and permeable soil. A humus-rich substrate encourages growth. Marsh mallows also thrive in saline soils and do not make high demands on the soil.
Marsh mallows can also be grown in containers. To grow a marsh mallow plant in a pot, you will first need a planter with a capacity of at least 20 litres. Create a drainage layer of pebbles or clay shards at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Fill with a high-quality plant soil, such as our Plantura Organic All Purpose Compost, which provides all the essential nutrients and promotes a healthy soil life. Our soil is peat-free, making it a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly option. To further improve drainage and increase the structural stability and the durability of the soil, mix in some expanded clay.
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Marsh mallow plant care
Marsh mallows are quite low-maintenance garden plants. Providing an adequate supply of water and the occasional bit of fertiliser as well as pruning twice a year is enough to keep them happy.
Marsh mallow plants like fresh to moist soil. Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging. In dry seasons, it is best to water in the morning or evening, but not during the midday heat.
As long as your marsh mallows are in a nutrient-rich soil, they should not require additional fertilisation. However, if you notice marsh mallow leaves turning yellow or dropping, the plants may be in need of nitrogen. Our Plantura All Purpose Plant Food contains plenty of nitrogen as well as phosphorus, potassium and trace nutrients and helps plants to produce healthy roots, leaves and flowers. We advise using a natural fertiliser for plants intended for consumption. Alternatively, you can apply a bit of compost annually to fertilise your marsh mallow plants.
In autumn, cut back this hardy perennial’s shoots by about a third — bear in mind, marsh mallow plants require intact stems for overwintering, so practice restraint with pruning. In spring, remove the parts of the plant that have been damaged by frost. How you prune marsh mallow affects its growth pattern. Shortening the side shoots encourages tall, upright growth. To achieve a bushy growth, cut off the top shoots.
Tip: you can easily propagate marsh mallows by division or sowing.
Marsh mallow root and leaf benefits
Marsh mallow is known mainly as a medicinal plant. The roots, leaves and flowers are edible. Mucilages found in marsh mallow roots and leaves are used and typically prepared as a tea to treat throat problems. They relieve pain and inhibit inflammation in mucous membranes. To make marsh mallow root tea, cut the roots and leaves, fresh or dried, into small pieces and soak them in cold water. Leave to infuse for 1 or 2 hours, remove the pieces of roots and leaves and then heat up the water. Do not let it boil, as this can impair the healing effects. If you do not use the roots immediately after harvesting, dry them carefully to prevent mould from growing. Remember that certain species of marsh mallow are a protected species, so it is not legal to harvest them from the wild.
Tip: in addition to roots and leaves, the flowers of white mallow are also edible and look lovely in a salad.
