Back
Skip to product information
Marshmallow

Marshmallow

Althaea officinalis

Marshmallow is a soothing, ancient medicinal plant with a rich cultural history. Growing into tall clumps, it produces beautiful soft flowers and thick mucilaginous roots that have been prized for centuries as a gentle demulcent for coughs, sore throats, and digestive upsets. Its leaves and flowers are also edible and have been used fresh or dried for teas and remedies. Beyond its healing properties, marshmallow is historically significant as the original source of the sweet treat that bears its name, once made by blending its root sap with honey.

Where Can You Grow
Marshmallow thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers nutrient-rich, damp soils. It can be grown in garden beds, meadows, or near water features, and tolerates clay soils better than most herbs.

History and Historical Uses
Used since ancient Egyptian times, marshmallow root was blended with honey for soothing treats. Greeks and Romans employed it medicinally, while in European folk medicine it became a staple for respiratory and digestive support. Its mucilaginous root extract inspired the marshmallow candies of the 19th century, before sugar and gelatin replaced the plant base.

Canadian Zone Information

  • Zones 3-5: Plant in rich, moist soils; mulch well in winter.
  • Zones 6-9: Easy perennial growth with minimal winter protection.

How to Grow and Harvest

  • Sowing: Direct sow in spring or autumn, or start indoors with cold stratification.
  • Spacing: Allow 30-45 cm between plants to accommodate tall growth.
  • Care: Keep soil moist for optimal root development.
  • Harvest: Roots can be dug in autumn after 2-3 years for highest medicinal potency; leaves and flowers can be harvested annually.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

  • Isolation: Marshmallow is largely self-fertile but benefits from insect pollination.
  • Collection: Harvest seed pods when they turn brown and dry.
  • Storage: Store cleaned seeds in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for about 5 years, sometimes longer under ideal conditions.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organic Producers Association (Cert#1962)

$4.76 CAD
In Stock

≈ 30 seeds | 1g (0.04oz)

Growing Information
Common Name Marshmallow
Scientific Name Althaea officinalis
Seed Count 30
Metric Weight 1 g
Imperial Weight 0.04 oz
Height 1.2–1.8m (4–6ft)
Spread 0.6–1m (2–3ft)
Canadian Zone Information 3-9
Growing Difficulty Easy
Product Reviews

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
Have a Question?

We (a small farm) ship every week, on Wednesday!

Pick up available from our farm stand 542 Wootton Road, Metchosin

100% Canadian Grown in Metchosin, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.

Processed-By-Hand

Certified Organic

Open Pollinated

Non-GMO

Frequently asked questions

Do you do sell at the farm?

No.

We do have a farmstand that is open during the season: March/April through to June/July

Will my order have tracking?

Maybe.

We ship all seed packages using Letter Mail through Canada Post.

However, if you order any Sprays, Bouquets, Root Stock, or Tubers; we automatically add protected shipping in a prepaid Canada Post box. These have a tracking number.

How much does shipping cost?

Save $20 when you spend $200

All our Shipping has a handling fee.

Shipping starts at $6 and increases incrementally for seed packages only.

If you purchase Sprays, Bouquets, Root Stock, or Tubers; Shipping will increase by $18 and go up incrementally.

We charge shipping rates that are fair to our customers and allow us to operate as a small farm.

What is your Customer Satisfaction policy?

We guarantee germination up to 75% on all our seeds in proper conditions.

That means we will replace them.

We make no guarantees on our Forager Pet products, other than that they are safe for the animals listed. But do reach out if your pet isn't happy.

Mistakes happen and can be fixed. So missing items, wrong items, or even damaged items can be replaced.

We will always work with you to find an appropriate solution.

Customer Satisfaction Policy

How long does shipping take?

Letter Mail can take up to 5-6 weeks.

Parcels can take up to 1-2 weeks.

We ship Wednesdays which can also lead to delays.

Are all your products 100% Canadian?

Yes. All our products are grown in Metchosin BC or foraged from surrounding forests.

What is your refund policy?

We are a resolution first small business. That means we would love for you to be happy with our products.

However, if you want to return or refund, this can be done.

You May Also Like