The marshmallow is a fascinating plant that not only looks beautiful but also has healing properties. You can find out how to use and plant the medicinal marshmallow here.
The marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) not only embellishes the garden with its flowers, but also serves as a bee pasture. As if that were not enough, the mallow plant is also an edible medicinal plant. We will show you how to care for the marshmallow in the garden and how to use the parts of the plant.
Marshmallow: flowering time, origin and properties
The marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae) and is widespread throughout Central Europe. Its numerous names such as white mallow, swamp mallow, velvet poplar, medicinal root, althee and medicinal marshmallow reveal a lot about the beautiful medicinal plant. The upright perennial can reach a height of 150 cm and has showy white or pink flowers that insects also enjoy. The flowering period extends from July to September. Althaea officinalis naturally grows in damp or saline locations. Since the habitat of the marshmallow is increasingly being lost, the plant is now considered endangered and may therefore not be collected in the wild.
The anti-inflammatory mucilage, which is mainly found in the roots but also in the leaves, help against coughs, respiratory problems or sore throats. The roots of Althaea officinalis also have a sweet taste and were formerly used to make marshmallows by mixing the roots with beaten egg whites and sugar. The name of the popular candy also goes back to the marsh mallow (marsh mallow). In addition to the roots, other plant parts such as flowers and leaves are also edible and can be used for cooking.
Sowing, location and Co. for the marshmallow
In the garden, the marshmallow not only makes a good impression - since all parts of the plant are edible and the flowers tooAttracting insects, it is an extremely useful garden plant.
Sowing of the marshmallow
The white mallow is one of the cold germs. That means it needs cold temperatures to germinate. If the marshmallow is to be spread by sowing, it is best sown directly outdoors between January and March when the temperatures are still low. Sowing in a pot outside is also possible without any problems. As soon as it becomes warmer in the long term, the seed will germinate.
Marshmallow: Location
The marshmallow likes it moist and nutrient-rich best, which is why bank locations are particularly suitable. In order to reach an impressive growth height, a warm and sunny place, preferably sheltered from the wind, is also sufficient. The location should also be deep, as the white mallow develops a long taproot. Althaea officinalis is a solitary perennial and grows clump-like, which is why a planting distance of 90 cm should be maintained.
Tip: If you would like to buy and plant an early velvet poplar, spring is the best time to do so, when there are no more frosts to be expected after May.
The right substrate
The soil should above all be rich in nutrients, moist and permeable and not allow waterlogging. A humus-rich substrate can also promote growth. However, the white mallow also thrives on saline soil and does not make particularly high demands on the soil overall.
The marshmallow can also be kept in a pot. This requires a voluminous planter with a capacity of at least 20 liters. A drainage layer of pebbles or potsherds makes sense on the ground so that there is no waterlogging. High-quality potting soil is suitable as a substrate, such as our Plantura organic universal soil, which provides all the important nutrients and promotes he althy soil life. Our earth is peat-free and therefore particularly sustainable and environmentally friendly. If you add a little expanded clay to the substrate, the structural stability and thus the durability of the soil can be increased.
Marshmallow: care
The marshmallow is a fairly undemanding garden plant and does not require a lot of care. An adequate water supply and occasional fertilization as well as two prunings a year are sufficientWhite Mallow.
Althaea officinalis likes it fresh to moist, so it needs water regularly. It is important that no water builds up. During dry periods, it is best to water in the morning or evening, but not in the midday heat.
As long as the marshmallow grows in nutrient-rich soil, it does not need additional fertilization. However, if the leaves turn yellow or fall off, an additional nitrogen supply is necessary. Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer, for example, is suitable for this, as it provides the plant with long-term nitrogen, but also phosphorus, potassium and trace elements, thus promoting he althy growth of roots, leaves and flowers. Biological fertilizer is advisable, especially for plants that are also to be used for consumption. Alternatively, a small annual dose of compost proves to be a good fertilizer for the white mallow.
The perennial, hardy perennial should be pruned back slightly in autumn. Here, the shoots are shortened by about a third. Restraint is advised, because Althaea officinalis needs its stems intact for overwintering. In the spring, the parts of the plant damaged by the frost can be removed. The growth form can be influenced: If you shorten the side shoots, you get a tall, upright growth. To achieve bushy growth, cut off the upper shoots.
Tip: The marshmallow can easily be propagated by division or sowing.
Althaea officinalis: effect and use as a medicinal plant
The marshmallow is primarily known as a medicinal plant. Roots, leaves and flowers are edible. In the case of throat problems, the mucilage, which is mainly found in the roots and leaves, is used and usually made into a tea. They put a kind of protective layer on the attacked mucous membranes and can thus relieve pain and inhibit inflammation. Marshmallow tea is prepared as follows: the roots and leaves, fresh or dried, are cut into small pieces and soaked in cold water. Then let it sit for an hour or two. The water can then be poured off through a sieve and heated. In order not to impair the healing effect, the water should not boil under any circumstances. If you don't plant the roots right after harvestuse, they must be dried carefully to avoid mold growth. Since the marshmallow is a nature reserve, no wild plants may be harvested.
Tip: In addition to the roots and leaves, the flowers of the white mallow are also edible and can be mixed into a salad, for example.
Speedwell is also considered a medicinal plant and can be used in the kitchen. With us you will learn everything you need to know about planting in the garden.