What does Five Bees Farm produce?

Five Bees Farm is establishing a regenerative agroforestry system to grow premium medicinal and culinary herbs on 17 acres in North Devon. We supply wholesale botanical ingredients to UK herbal supplement and nutraceutical manufacturers.

When will Five Bees Farm be operational?

Farm operations begin in 2026. First product availability is planned for 2027. We are currently in the establishment phase, developing our agroforestry system and infrastructure.

Is Five Bees Farm certified organic?

We are targeting Soil Association organic certification, with full conversion expected by 2028. We follow organic and regenerative principles from the outset, with zero synthetic inputs.

Where is Five Bees Farm located?

Five Bees Farm is located near Bideford in North Devon, England. Our postcode is EX39 5QZ.

What makes Five Bees Farm different from other herb suppliers?

We are one of very few farms in the UK establishing a dedicated agroforestry system for herbal production. This means our herbs grow in a biodiverse, tree-integrated environment without synthetic inputs. We offer full traceability from seed to shipment, a Soil Association organic certification pathway, and a genuinely regenerative supply chain — reducing UK manufacturers' dependence on imported botanicals.

Dried Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)

We grow marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) for its root, and supply dried marshmallow root to UK trade buyers. Marshmallow is a tall, velvety-leaved perennial of marshy ground, and its root was the original ingredient in marshmallow sweets.

Marshmallow at a glance

Common name: marshmallow, marsh mallow
Latin name: Althaea officinalis (family Malvaceae)
Part supplied: root
Grown at: Five Bees Farm, near Woolsery, North Devon
Harvest: autumn, from the second growing year
Planned formats: cut dried root, powder
Organic status: working towards Soil Association certification (target 2028)

How we grow marshmallow

Marshmallow naturally grows in damp, marshy places and does well in moist, rich soil, which makes it a good fit for our North Devon land. We grow it in no-dig beds mulched with compost and woodchip, so the roots can be lifted cleanly at harvest. We use zero synthetic inputs.

Harvest and handling

Roots are lifted in autumn from the second growing year, after the top growth has died back. They’re washed thoroughly and can be peeled or left unpeeled to suit the buyer’s specification, then cut for drying.

Drying and processing

Marshmallow root is starchy and holds a lot of moisture, so we cut it into thin, even pieces and dry it on the farm until it’s fully dry right through. This is essential for safe storage. Dried root is packed in sealed packaging away from moisture.

Formats for trade buyers

Cut dried marshmallow root
Marshmallow root powder (planned)

Who buys our marshmallow root

UK-grown marshmallow root suits herbalists and tincture makers, herbal tea blenders, natural skincare makers, pet and equine supplement makers, confectioners interested in heritage recipes, and herb wholesalers.

Provenance and traceability

Every batch of Five Bees marshmallow root is grown, lifted and dried on our farm, and coded to its bed, planting year, lifting date and drying record.

Marshmallow root FAQs

Do you supply peeled or unpeeled root?

Tell us your specification. We plan to offer both, subject to harvest.

When will marshmallow root be available?

Marshmallow is a two-year root crop, with first lifts for trade buyers planned from 2028. Register your interest now and we’ll keep you updated.

Can I reserve part of a future harvest?

Yes. Root crops are planted well ahead of supply, so we welcome early conversations about volumes.

Request a marshmallow root sample

Email hello@fivebeesfarm.co.uk to register interest in UK-grown dried marshmallow root or to discuss forward supply.