Organic Althaea officinalis

The marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) is a perennial aromatic and medicinal plant that has been somewhat forgotten: it offers a very pretty summer flowering in a pale pinkish white colour, and the entire plant is edible. Its leaves can be cooked like spinach, its flowers can be used to make gentle infusions, and its root was once used to make the confectionery of the same name. It has only one drawback: it does not produce marshmallow!  It can be sown in late March for planting from May to July.

The marsh mallow is native to Europe and belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is sometimes called Joseph's staff or White mallow by English speakers. It is found naturally in wet areas along the Mediterranean coast or by rivers. It is a vigorous perennial plant that grows in an upright clump and can reach a height of 1.8 meters (6 feet) with a width of 1 metre (3 feet). It is perfectly hardy, at least down to -15°C (5°F).

Its foliage consists of grey-green, heart-shaped leaves with finely toothed edges. It is deciduous. From July to September, it displays white flowers, slightly tinged with pink, with 5 petals. They are dotted with lilac stamens fused at the base.

Marsh mallow is best known for the mucilage produced by its roots, which was used to make marshmallow candy. This use has fallen out of favour, and marsh mallow is now mainly cultivated as a vegetable plant because its leaves can be consumed raw or cooked, like spinach. Its flowers and root are used to prepare infusions and extractions that relieve respiratory and digestive ailments.

In the garden, marsh mallow thrives in sunny, deep, humus-rich, and moist soil. It is easy to grow and not very demanding, tolerating ordinary soil and temporary drought. It can be planted in an area dedicated to herbs and medicinal plants or at the back of a perennial bed because it is very ornamental.

Harvest: Leaves and roots can be harvested as needed.

Storage: Once dried, the plant can be stored in bags.

Gardener's tip: Like its cousin the hollyhock, marsh mallow can be susceptible to rust.  

Organic or 'AB' seeds come from plants grown without phytosanitary products (insecticides, herbicides). These seeds also do not undergo any treatment after harvest. They carry the AB label and are certified by Ecocert, an independent organization.