Marsh mallow plants or Althaea Officinalis, grow wild in marshy areas near the coast. It is a hardy perennial that has long been admired for its soft velvety leaves and pale pink flowers that appear midsummer to early autumn. The plant contains thick mucilage that has been used throughout history for treating constipation and bronchial problems. The dried roots used to be used to flavor marshmallow sweets.

Ideal Location- Marshmallow prefer a sandy soil but can grow in almost any type soil. They need partial to full sun and must be protected in the winter from temperatures below 15F/-9C. The plants are ideal for a perennial or herb garden.

Cultivation Indoors - Start the seeds early in a container inside. You need to sow the seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost. Stratify the seeds when you are growing indoors. Some seeds need a period of cool weather to germinate. Place a small amount of damp sand in a plastic bag and mix the seeds with the sand. Let them stand at room temperature for a day to absorb the moisture and place them in the refrigerator for a month to six weeks. Shake the bag occasionally and if you see germination beginning, immediately plant.

Find a container with drainage holes and fill it with potting soil . Place the stratified seeds, sand and all on the top of the soil. Keep the container moist at all times by covering with a tent of plastic that is made using toothpicks and plastic wrap. Wait until after the last frost to plant outside

Outdoors - Sow the seeds directly in the fall. You can sow the seeds directly into the ground. You can also use base division or stem cuttings to propagate the plant. When you grow the marsh mallow plant keep it well watered until the transplants or divisions are adequately established

Plant Care- Thin the plants to 12in/30cm apart the first year. The plants begin to get crowded as they grow. Separate during the second year to 24in/60cm apart. The plant gets to a height of 4ft/1.25m and is not one that can be brought indoors or placed in a small corner of the garden.

Uses- Marshmallow seeds can been used in salads or for snacks. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked like spinach and even the flowers are edible.

Earlier cultures used the root for cleaning rugs. You can boil the root to make a soothing rub for dry skin and hair. The root can be steeped to create a cough suppressant and earlier used the root as a gentle laxative.