Minimum Seed Count: 50

Marshmallow is a beautiful, multi-purpose perennial herb prized for its soft, velvety leaves, pale pink to light lavender flowers, and rich history of use. Growing 3–5 feet tall, it produces delicate hibiscus-like blooms that attract pollinators while adding classic cottage-garden charm.

Traditionally, the roots of the marshmallow plant were used to create the original marshmallow confections, giving this plant its name. The natural mucilage found in the roots can still be used today in making traditional marshmallows and sweet candies, as well as soothing herbal teas and remedies. Both ornamental and functional!

🌼 Planting & Growing Guide

☀️ Sun

Full sun to partial shade
Best flowering occurs in full sun

🌱 Soil

Prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil
Tolerates heavier soils better than most herbs
Ideal pH: 6.0–7.5

💧 Water

Keep soil consistently moist
Does especially well in slightly damp or low-lying areas

🌡️ Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 3–9
Cold-tolerant perennial

🌿 Planting Instructions

From Seed:

Sow seeds outdoors in early spring or fall
Can benefit from cold stratification (2–4 weeks) for better germination
Plant seeds ¼ inch deep
Space plants 18–24 inches apart

Germination:

Typically 14–21 days
Keep soil evenly moist during germination

🌸 Care Tips

Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Cut back in late fall or early spring
May need staking in windy areas due to tall stems

🐝 Harvesting

Leaves: harvest anytime during growing season
Roots: best harvested in fall of the plant’s second year
Flowers: pick when fully open

Marshmallow Seeds