Hollyhock is a hardy biennial flowering plant that produces fully-double scarlet, pink, white, purple, brown and yellow flowers on sturdy spikes.
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It grows up to 5-6 feet tall and blooms from May to October, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
It's great for cottage, wildflower, and flower gardens.
The seeds can be planted in August or September and established plants grow in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating a wide range of soil conditions and some light shade.
Hollyhocks are short-lived but easily self-seed and can persist for years.
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- Season: Biennial
Height: 60-72 Inches
Bloom Season: Summer
Environment: Sun/Partial Shade
Soil Type: Rich/Average/Moist well-drained, pH 6.1-7.8
USDA Zones: 3-10
- Sow Indoors: Spring (6-8 weeks before last frost)
Sow Outdoors: Spring/Fall
Seed Depth: 1/8 Inch
Germination Time: 21-28 Days
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FAQs
01 When to Plant Hollyhock Seeds
Direct Sow approximately one week before the threat of frost has passed. Hollyhocks can also be sown indoors approximately 9 weeks before your final frost and transferred outdoors about 2-3 weeks after the final frost has passed.
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02 Where to Plant Hollyhock Seeds?
Plant hollyhocks, in moist, rich, and well-draining soil that gets full sun exposure - though they can tolerate Partial Shade. One of the significant causes of hollyhock failure is planting in soil that is too dry.
03 How to Plant Hollyhock Seeds?
Hollyhock seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting.
Hollyhocks may benefit from a 12 hour soak in warm water, but it is not needed. Direct sow outdoors onto the surface of the soil and compress firmly, but do not cover. Hollyhocks require sunlight to germinate. If starting indoors, use tall, individual pots to transplant, as Hollyhocks have long taproots.
04 How to Care for Hollyhock?
Hollyhocks are a short-lived perennial, tending to last about 2-3 years. This lifespan can be extended by removing flowers as soon as they fade. In non-tropical climates, you can cut your hollyhocks down and mulch in order to give them longer life as well. Hollyhocks can also be susceptible to rust, which will usually infect lower-growing leaves, but can spread upwards. Prevent rust by watering from below, and promoting good air circulation between your hollyhocks.
05 Are double hollyhocks perennial?
Are double hollyhocks perennial? Double Hollyhocks are perennial, meaning they will come back each year. Winter hardy as far north as Zone 3, these hollyhocks do not need to be dug up and stored. After your flowers bloom, deadheading wilted flowers will encourage reblooming.
06 Do double hollyhocks spread?
Plant them in a sunny location, spacing the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart. As hollyhocks will spread when new seed is dropped, you might consider allowing three to four feet of space in the garden, so the area can fill out within a few years. Keep new plantings well-watered to help get them established.
07 Do hollyhocks come back every year?
Hollyhocks are biennial or short-lived perennials. In the first year they put on root and foliage growth and in the second they flower, set seed and then die.
08 How many years will hollyhocks bloom?
Hollyhocks are easy to grow, although many varieties are biennial and take two years from seed to flower.
09 Where is the best place to plant hollyhocks?
The best place to plant hollyhocks is in a well-draining area that enjoys full sun to partial shade. However, because hollyhock plants typically grow to be quite high, they need to be protected from damaging winds through support such as a trellis, wall or fence.
10 Are hollyhocks poisonous to dogs?
Hollyhocks. These flowers are also non-poisonous to dogs or cats, but you need to be careful about the stems and leaves as they may have resin or fiber which may cause some skin allergies.
11 What pairs well with hollyhocks?
Hollyhocks are beautiful cottage garden plants, so they pair well with many perennials and shrubs in those types of gardens. Roses, rose mallow, tall garden phlox, delphiniums, peonies, ornamental grasses and foxgloves are just some of the plants that can be grouped with hollyhocks in the garden.
12 How to prevent hollyhocks from diseases?
Hollyhock rust and powdery mildew are fungal diseases that thrive in humid and damp conditions. To prevent these diseases, choose a sunny, well-ventilated location for planting, prune regularly, avoid watering the leaves, and fertilize regularly to strengthen the plant's immunity. To prevent beetle damage, inspect the plants regularly and control them with organic insecticides such as onion, garlic, or chili if needed.
13 When planting tall and linear plants, you may encounter the issue of them toppling over.
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Use supports: Stick some sturdy poles, wooden stakes, or metal frames around the plants. Insert them into the soil and secure them to the main stems or significant branches for extra support.
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Embrace plant grids: Set up or install plant grids around your plants and let the stems intertwine with the grid, adding stability and preventing them from flopping over.
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Trim and prune: Keep up with regular pruning to encourage branching and side shoots, enhancing overall structure and stability.
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Improve the soil: Ensure your soil is enriched with organic matter, maintaining proper moisture levels and good drainage, which promotes healthy growth and robust root development.
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Wind protection: In windy areas, consider using windbreak netting or fences to reduce the impact of strong winds on your plants and shield them.
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