The INCREDIBLE Marshmallow Plant: How to Stratify & Start Marshmallow Seeds

     Did you know that marshmallows- the little, fluffy artificially flavored treat beloved by many for rice squares, s'mores, and campfire stories- is actually based on a sweet medicinal treat made from the roots of a plant within the hibiscus family?

    That's right, the marshmallow plant, a common plant you could grow right now, produces a sticky sap within its roots that's been a favored sweet treat ingredient for thousands of years! Not only that, but this incredible plant has medicinal properties and is a huge hit among pollinators, making it even more versatile for the backyard garden.

    Today, we're going to learn how to stratify and start these hardy, quick growing seeds, so that you can grow the ingredients for tasty, homemade, naturally flavored marshmallows (or sore throat remedies) in your very own yard! 

Stratifying Marshmallow Seeds for the Best Germination Rate

    If you're using vendor seed, you may not have to stratify; but not all vendors stratify their seeds. Since I'm using hand saved seeds that were traded, I'm stratifying to greatly increase germination rates. Stratifying mimics winter conditions, which is required for successful germination among many species. Winter sowing is another good option. 

 To stratify your seeds, you'll need:

• a zip bag
• a moistened paper towel
• your marshmallow seeds
• a sharpie

    You want to write the name of the seeds and the date that you start them on the bag. Place your marshmallow seeds on the white paper towel, fold it over, and place it into the zip bag. Make sure that there is adequate moisture to both soak and sprout the seeds within the bag.

How Long Do You Stratify Marshmallow Seeds?

    My stratification process was a little different. This is how I stratified mine, giving me lots of success.

    I first placed my seeds into the fridge for one day to thoroughly soak the seed and seed coating. Seeds would naturally become saturated during the wet fall and winter months.

    Next, I placed them into the freezer for one week, mimicking a cold snap or winter storm.

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    Third, they went into the fridge again for one week, replicating a cool, thawing cycle.

    Lastly, they were left on the warm, brightly lit counter to sprout. With temperatures in the upper 60's and lower 70's, the seeds quickly sprung to life!

 Removing Marshmallow Seedlings from the Germination Bag and Transplanting Them Into Soil

    Once sprouted, I carefully remove the seedling from the paper towel and insert the root into a small hole created with a paintbrush handle. I gently press the soil against the seedling, as I want really good contact between the root and the soil. 

    The seedlings transfer and take off really, really easily for me once they've sprouted. As you can see in the video, they're growing quite well and quickly at that! They are growing in a coco coir medium with liquid fertilizer added weekly.

    

    I will continue to grow these for a few more weeks before potting up, and they will not be transplanted until the danger of frost has passed.

    Let me know if you'd like for me to continue marshmallow updates regarding transplanting, growth, flowering, and harvesting! You can follow us over on Facebook, join the Facebook group, subscribe here, or follow us over on YouTube!

    I will be adding marshmallow seeds to my Etsy Seed shop later this year, in addition to the really neat tomato seeds that I have listed right now. This is the first year the seed shop has been open, so expect a lot of new, fun varieties to arrive this summer and fall!

Are You Planning to Grow Some Marshmallow Plants?

    Now that I've told you some interesting facts about the marshmallow plant and shown you how easy it is to start your own plants, are you planning to grow this versatile, incredible edible plant? If so, what is your biggest goal?

1. Growing your own marshmallows
2. Using the plant for its medicinal properties
3. Using it for a pollinator garden
4. Using the leaves as a vegetable