diff --git a/Allura/allura/lib/widgets/resources/css/markitup_sf.css b/Allura/allura/lib/widgets/resources/css/markitup_sf.css
index 072361c..292c061 100644
--- a/Allura/allura/lib/widgets/resources/css/markitup_sf.css
+++ b/Allura/allura/lib/widgets/resources/css/markitup_sf.css
@@ -22,6 +22,12 @@
   margin-top: 5px;
   margin-bottom: 5px;
 }
+.markdown_edit textarea {  /* so initial display before editor appears looks consistent with editor size */
+  box-sizing: border-box;
+  width: 100%;
+  margin: 0;
+  height: 168px;
+}
 .markdown_edit .CodeMirror {
   color: rgb(85, 85, 85);
   min-height: 60px;