Hollyhock Seeds - Alcea rosea

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

USDA Zones 3-9: Hollyhock is a classic hardy biennial or short-lived perennial. It completes its life cycle over two years, growing a rosette of leaves in the first year and producing its spectacular flower stalks in the second.

Best Performance: Thrives in zones 4-8, where a proper cold period helps ensure robust flowering. They love full sun and rich, well-drained soil.

Northern Zones (3-4): Perfectly suited for these climates. The cold winters provide the necessary chilling period for a strong bloom cycle. A layer of mulch applied in the first fall can help protect the young leaf rosettes through the winter.

Hot Climate Zones (8-9): Hollyhocks grow very well. Planting in late summer or early fall is highly recommended, as this allows the plant to establish its roots over the winter and flower the following summer. In the hottest areas, planting in a spot with afternoon shade can reduce heat stress.

Soil Temperature: Seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are between 60-70 degrees F.

Life Cycle Explained: As a biennial, a hollyhock planted in the spring will focus on leaf and root growth for the entire first season and will not flower until the following summer. For flowers in the first summer season, plant seeds the prior fall.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

Hollyhocks develop a long taproot and perform best when sown directly into their final garden location.

When to Sow:

For flowers next year: Sow seeds directly in the garden in late spring or early summer, after all danger of frost has passed.

For flowers the very next summer: Sow seeds directly in the garden in late summer or early fall, at least 8-10 weeks before your first hard freeze. This gives the plant time to establish its leafy rosette before winter.

Sowing the Seeds:

Site Selection: Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6 hours per day). In hotter climates, a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. Select a site that is sheltered from strong winds.

Soil Preparation: Hollyhocks thrive in rich, well-draining soil. Amend your soil with compost before planting.

Planting: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly with soil. Space the seeds or thin the seedlings to stand about 18-24 inches apart. This spacing is crucial for good air circulation.

Watering: Water the area well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually takes 1-2 weeks.

Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Water your hollyhocks regularly, especially during dry periods. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage as dry as possible.

Staking: Due to their impressive height, the flower stalks will almost certainly need support. Install a stake or other support when the stalk begins to grow rapidly to avoid damaging the plant later.

Disease Prevention: Hollyhocks can be susceptible to fungal rust. To minimize this risk: provide ample spacing for air circulation, water the soil not the leaves, and remove any affected leaves at the first sign of orange spots.

After Flowering: Once the blooms have faded, you can cut the flower stalk back to the ground. Or, to allow the plant to self-seed for future years, leave the stalk standing until the seeds have matured and dropped.