khatmi :

Cultivation:

Plants are hardy to about -25°c
Succeeds in almost any soil and situation, though it prefers a rich moist soil in a sunny position. It also tolerates fairly dry soil conditions

Marsh Mallow used always to be cultivated in gardens on account of its medicinal qualities. It is said to have been introduced by the Romans.

It can be raised from seed, sown in spring, but cuttings will do well, and offsets of the root, carefully divided in autumn, when the stalks decay, are satisfactory, and will grow of their own accord.

Plant about 2 feet apart. It will thrive in any soil or situation, but grows larger in moist than in dry land, and could well be cultivated on unused ground in damp localities near ditches or stream

Propogation:

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in late summer, the germination is often erratic. Stratification can improve germination rates and time. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer[

].
Division in spring or autumn. Fairly easy, it is best to pot up the divisions in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing away well and then plant them out into their permanent positions.
Root cuttings in early winter.

Harvesting:

The root is best harvested in the autumn, preferably from 2 year old plants, and is dried for later use. Nonlignified roots of the second years growth, which are washed and cut into cubes or powdered, are used for pharmaceutical purposes

The leaves are harvested in August when the plant is just coming into flower and can be dried for later use

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Dr.A K Divekar says:

Jan 20, 2020 at10:32 am

Sir/ Madame, I am a retired Indian Army Physician. I want to purchase about ONE Kg OF Khatmi Roots .Please inform me its dealer in PUNE/MAHARASHTRA. This is required for my wife. Divekar

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