About Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks are the quintessential cottage garden plant, often seen beside barns, in front of quaint homes, or along white picket fences. Known for their striking height, these plants can grow anywhere from three to eight feet tall. Many common hollyhock varieties are biennial, spending their first year growing foliage and storing energy, and then producing tall, flower-filled stalks in their second year. However, some varieties act as short-lived perennials, blooming in their first year if planted early in the spring or started indoors in the winter.
When to Plant Hollyhock Seeds
Directly sow hollyhock seeds about one week before the last expected frost. Alternatively, you can start them indoors roughly nine weeks before the final frost and transplant them outdoors two to three weeks after the frost danger has passed.
Starting hollyhocks from seed is easy, whether you choose to plant them indoors or outdoors. For outdoor planting, sow the seeds directly into the ground about a week before the last frost. If planting indoors, begin about nine weeks before the last expected frost date.
Where to Plant Hollyhock Seeds
Plant hollyhocks in moist, rich, well-draining soil with full sun exposure, although they can tolerate partial shade. Avoid planting in soil that is too dry, as this is a common reason for hollyhock failure.
How to Plant Hollyhock Seeds
Hollyhock seeds need light to germinate, so avoid covering them when planting. While soaking the seeds in warm water for 12 hours can be beneficial, it’s not necessary. For direct sowing outdoors, scatter the seeds on the surface of rich, well-draining soil, then press them down firmly without covering. Space the seeds about two feet apart, and ensure the soil remains moist during germination by providing regular watering.
If starting seeds indoors, use tall, individual pots to accommodate hollyhocks’ long taproots and minimize transplant shock. Fill the pots with rich, moist, well-draining soil and water regularly. Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors two to three weeks after the last frost, once they have developed sufficiently.
How to Care for Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks are short-lived perennials, typically lasting two to three years, but you can extend their lifespan by removing spent flowers promptly. In non-tropical climates, cutting hollyhocks down and applying mulch can help them live longer. Be aware that hollyhocks can be prone to rust, which often starts on lower leaves but can spread. To prevent rust, water plants at the base and ensure good air circulation.
Given their height, hollyhocks may require support from a fence, wall, trellis, or stakes to protect them from strong winds. Hollyhocks are prolific self-seeders, so plant them in areas where this won’t be a problem. Remove individual flowers as they fade, and cut entire stalks back to the base after flowering to prevent reseeding. If you want hollyhocks to self-seed for the next spring, leave some flowers and stalks until the seeds drop. In winter, cut back all stems and leaves to the ground to minimize the risk of rust overwintering.