Althaea officinalis
Marshmallow root is a perennial native to Asia and Europe. It has been naturalized in North America where it is often used as an ornamental. The root has a very long history of use as a food and as a medicinal herb dating back at least to the Ancient Greeks. Grows to 36" tall with pink flowers that bloom from mid to late summer. Perennial zones 3-9.
Growing information: Marshmallow prefers partial shade, but will grow in full shade to full sun. Direct sow in late summer to early fall in a location with rich, loamy, moist soil. Alternately, cold stratify seeds for several weeks before sowing in spring by soaking overnight and storing in a plastic bag with equal parts sand and peat in the refrigerator. Then start seeds indoors and transplant outside after hardening off in mid to late spring. Germination typically takes 14-21 days. Plants should be thinned to about 12" apart. Plants begin to flower in the second year.
Min qty/packet: 30 seeds