Alchimiaweb.com presents Rocalba Marshmallow Seeds, a medicinal plant very beneficial for the respiratory tract. It can be cultivated both in pots and directly in open ground in our patio, garden or vegetable patch.
Rocalba Marshmallow, a strong easy to grow plant with pink flowers
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is native to the Eurasian region and has been cultivated since ancient times for its therapeutic properties at expectorant and respiratory levels.
This perennial plant can grow up to 1m, having a good stretch during flowering. It is vigorous and develops a multitude of vertical stems with irregularly shaped leaves and a velvety texture. It develops pink and white flowers on the upper part.
The seeds should be germinated in late winter and spring. They take about 25 days to emerge, but occasionally require a few months to start their life cycle. The seeds need to be soaked in water 24 hours before sowing, where they are covered with a 1-2mm thick layer of soil and worm humus mixture.
Rocalba Marshmallow, expectorant, reduces throat irritation
In direct sowing one places 5-6 seeds at a time in a planting frame of about 70cm x 50cm, ensuring that they receive enough light and a temperature of at least 5ºC (it is a plant very resistant to the cold, withstanding temperatures down to -24ºC).
Marshmallow is typical of humid areas, easy to find near rivers and lakes. Contained but frequent watering is recommended, especially in summer. It usually grows in sunny and shady areas, but it also develops well in full sunlight. It does not require preventive phytosanitary treatments as it is resistant to pests.
During summer the flowers are harvested and during spring and autumn the leaves. It can be consumed in a salad (the most tender leaves), cooked as cabbage leaves or as an infusion. It produces an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect on the respiratory tract, relieving coughing and irritation.
Rocalba Marshmallow info:
- Sachet: 1g of seeds
- Ideal in open ground or pot cultivation.
- Germination: winter - spring
- Directly on open ground or in a seedbed
- Planting frame: 70cm x 50cm
- Up to 1m or more
- Prefers sun and shade, with frequent and moderate watering
- The leaves are harvested all year round
- In summer flowers can be harvested
- The roots are harvested in autumn, when the plant withers
- Old roots lose their properties, so it is better to harvest young plants
- Requires fresh, rich and drained soil
