Herbs
Marshmallow
Leaves and mature roots from a perennial crown that needs room to recover.
Sowing & planting windows in Australia
Planting timing varies by broad Australian gardening zone. Local weather, unusual seasons and your garden’s microclimate can shift timing.
Cool
Sow · Mar-Apr,Sep-Oct
Core months: March, April, September, October
Temperate
Sow · Mar-May,Sep-Nov
Core months: March, April, May, September, October, November
Subtropical
Sow · Feb-Oct
Core months: February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Tropical
Sow · All year
Core months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Arid
Sow · No window
Getting started
Sow seed in the recorded five-zone window. Use clean seed and follow the packet's depth and spacing for the named species or cultivar.
The right conditions
Choose a position with good light, fertile free-draining soil and protection from harsh heat; provide winter chill where the crop requires it.
As it grows
Water consistently while establishing, mulch without burying the crown or stem, manage weeds early and provide support where the mature habit needs it.
Ready to harvest
Harvest leaves before flowering and lift portions of mature root while keeping enough crown for the perennial to recover.
Important cautions
Use only correctly identified Althaea officinalis. Mucilage may affect absorption of medicines, so separate medicinal use from medication unless advised otherwise.
Plant guidance: P11a propagation, food-safety and plant-specific guide audit. Planting windows are a guide rather than a rule.