Herb of The Week - Marshmallow - Growing

[Guest guest]

If anyone here has this one in their garden, please share your growing

experiences I wonder if it'd grown down here in the Houston TX area -

it is one big swamp!

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

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http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herb_information/growing.htm

 

MARSHMALLOW (Althea officinalis)

 

GROWING: Marshmallow needs marshes and swamps to grow. It is a perennial

growing to 4 feet tall. Its fleshy, erect stems reach a height of three

to four feet. The stems give off simple branches or, at most, a few

sideways branches. The pale yellow roots are tapered, long, and thick,

with a tough yet flexible exterior. The short-stemmed leaves are round,

with irregularly toothed margins and three to five lobes. A soft and

velvety down covers the leaves and stem. The flowers have five

reddish-white petals. The whole plant, especially the root, is filled

with mild mucilage.

 

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http://www.gardenguides.com/herbs/english.htm

 

English Mallow

(Althea officinalis)

 

 

 

English Mallow is a member of the hollyhock family. The leaves and roots

have been used as vegetables and medicines since ancient times. The name

comes from the Greek word altho which means " to heal " .

 

Description

 

English Mallow grows to about 36 " in height. It has small but attractive

pink flowers carried without stems. As the flowers fade, round, flat

seed capsules called " cheeses " form.

 

Cultivation

 

This perennial can be grown from seed sown in autumn or late winter,

from cuttings taken in spring, or from offsets in autumn. English Mallow

needs a sunny, moist location with rich soil. When it dies back in

winter, remove the old growth.

 

Harvesting

 

Cut leaves and flowers as required. Collect the green seeds when plump.

 

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http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/altofficinalis.htm

 

(Althea officinalis)

 

Cultural Information

 

Height: 4 Feet

 

Hardiness: Zone 3

 

Flower Color: White

to Pale Pink

 

Characteristics: Full Sun

 

Uses: Culinary,

Ornamental, Medicinal