(Althea officinalis) If any of you are prone to long-lasting coughs and sore throats in the winter months, you’ll want this perennial herb in your garden. Edible white/blushed with pink flowers and big soft leaves reaching a height of 6-8’ make this herb hard to miss or resist. Both the roots and leaves are gentle expectorants and soothing to the throat and urinary tract. Young leaves are delicious in a salad. Beautiful long-lasting perennial. An old and welcome friend every spring as the greens arise and a happy sight as it continues to bloom throughout summer. Sow it where you'd like to see it return year after year.
Perennial. UO

Packet: 100 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.

Plant out after last frost.

Direct seed after last frost.

Note: Long tap-root. Will self-sow!

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/4"

SPACING:

12" in rows 15" apart.

EMERGENCE:

14-20 days @ soil temp 50-60F

LIGHT:

Full sun to part shade

FERTILITY:

Average. Prefers well-drained, and evenly moist soil.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Leaves, stems, flowers, and root used in herbal medicine as a gentle expectorant and topical soother.

Marshmallow