Germinates in 10-20 days. Self seeds readily. The root is thick, fleshy and reddish brown. Small yellow-green flowers appear from early summer to early autumn followed by spherical black fruits. Sow seeds in well-drained soil during the early spring.
Madder does best in full sun.
Flowers in early summer of the second or third year. Roots and leaves of this traditional dye plant yield pink, red, orange and brown dyes depending on the mordant used. Marshmallow - Althea officinalis P erennial. Historically the leaves were used in early spring salads. Roots were decocted for coughs, used to dress wounds and in the making of confections.