{"product_id":"marshmallow","title":"Marshmallow Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eMarshmallow is an ancient medicinal plant with soothing properties and a rich cultural history. It forms large clumps and produces pretty, soft flowers as well as thick roots rich in mucilage, which have been used for centuries as a natural emollient to calm coughs, sore throats, and digestive issues. Its leaves and flowers are also edible and can be consumed fresh or dried as an infusion. Beyond its medicinal properties, marshmallow holds historical significance: it is the origin of the confectionery \"marshmallow,\" once made by mixing its root sap with honey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to grow marshmallow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarshmallow grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers nutrient-rich, moist soils. It can be grown in flower beds, meadows, or near water features, and tolerates clay soils better than many herbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and traditional uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsed since ancient Egypt, marshmallow root was mixed with honey to create soothing preparations. The Greeks and Romans already used it for medicinal purposes, and in European folk medicine, it became an important remedy for respiratory and digestive support. Its mucilage-rich extract inspired 19th-century marshmallow candies, before sugar and gelatin replaced the plant-based foundation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInformation for Canadian Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZones 3-5: Plant in rich, moist soil; mulch heavily in winter.\u003cbr\u003eZones 6-9: Easy perennial growth with little winter protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to grow and harvest marshmallow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSowing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow directly in spring or fall, or start indoors with cold stratification.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow 30 to 45 cm between plants for good vertical growth.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the soil moist to promote good root development.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Roots can be dug up in the fall after 2 to 3 years for optimal concentration of active ingredients; leaves and flowers can be harvested annually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips for harvesting seeds for future supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsolation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Marshmallow is largely self-fertile but benefits from insect pollination.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick seed capsules when they turn brown and dry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store cleaned seeds in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for about 5 years, sometimes longer under good conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIslands Organic Producers Association (Certificate #1962)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644641141104,"sku":"MF-HERB-019","price":5.75,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/ChatGPTImage27avr.2026_19_31_41.png?v=1777332715","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en\/products\/marshmallow","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}