How to successfully grow marshmallows

Marshmallow is a wild plant from the Malvaceae family. In the past, children would chew on the peeled roots to cut their teeth. It is also found among medicinal herbs in the vegetable garden. Marshmallow thrives in wetlands, seaside areas, streams, ditches, meadows, and marshes. It is frost-resistant when the soil is well-drained. Highly ornamental in the garden, it grows in upright clumps and can reach 1.50 meters.

Although marshmallow is often considered a wild plant, it is also a cultivated plant. During Antiquity, it was actually grown in gardens throughout Europe and Asia, particularly for its therapeutic properties. In the Middle Ages, it was one of the plants recommended for cultivation in royal domains by the Capitulary of Villis.

The term "marshmallow" originates from the Latin name of its family "malva" attested in the Capitulary of Villis*. To this Latin term was added the term "hibiscum" to refer to marshmallow. Only "bis" remained from this second term and this became "gui". By association, "hibiscum malva" became "guimalva" and then "marshmallow".

Marshmallow roots have a pleasant flavor and a slightly sweet taste.

Marshmallow is said to have anti-inflammatory, expectorant and protective properties for the gastric mucosa.

Marsh mallow, better known as marshmallow, is a sweet treat that is particularly popular around the fire. Originally, it was the root of this perennial plant that was used to make these sweets. Nowadays, it is more often made from sugar, egg whites, and gelatin.

• Difficulty level : 2/3
• Density : 3 plants/m².
• Life cycle : Perennial.
• Method of reproduction : Sexual or vegetative* by division of clumps (taking a peripheral part of the plant with its roots then replanting) or by cuttings (creation of a new individual from a fragment of the first).
  
• Type of pollination : Self-pollinating.
• Weight per 1000 seeds : Approximately 2.5 grams.

• Climate zone and hardiness : Marshmallow likes temperate and humid climates.
• Soil type : Rich, deep, fresh soil.
• pH : Neutral.
• Moisture : Well-drained soil.
• Exposure : Sunny
• Temperature : Marshmallow is a very hardy plant.
• Frost resistance : Marshmallow is very resistant to frost and temperatures down to -30°C if the soil is sufficiently drained.

• Soil preparation : Loosen the soil and feed it with compost before planting or sowing.
  
• Transplanting : When the plants have a few leaves, transplant them into place 50 cm apart in all directions.
• Watering :
  • Frequency: Regular watering.
  • Quantity: Moderate watering.
  • Period: Throughout the first year of cultivation and then from April to October in subsequent years.
• Tools : Watering can and spade fork.
• Hoeing / weeding / earthing up / mulching : Lay down mulch* in summer and winter and renew it regularly.
• Winter protection : Marshmallow is hardy enough so it does not require any winter protection.
• Harvest period : From June to October for the foliage harvest, from July to September for the flower harvest and from October to November for the root harvest.
• Plant Part : Marshmallow roots, flowers and leaves are eaten.
• Stage : You must wait at least 3 years after sowing to start harvesting the roots.

• Method: Remove the roots from the soil with a garden fork and then dry them. The flowers and leaves are eaten fresh.
• Shelf life: The leaves and flowers should be consumed as quickly as possible. The roots can be stored for several months once dried.
  

• Culinary : In cooking, it is its mucilaginous properties that make it famous. This substance, in the presence of water, increases in volume and takes on the consistency of jelly. This mucilage was once used to make the famous marshmallows but also to thicken sauces or preparations. The roots can therefore be used in cooking to substitute egg white for sauces or soups in order to thicken. The leaves, meanwhile, can be eaten cooked, like spinach. The flowers can be used to flavor salads.
• Others : Marshmallow can also be given to young children to help them with teething.

Marshmallow is a honey plant, so it will attract pollinators and other beneficial insects to the vegetable garden.