Hollyhocks bloom two years after planting and are completely hardy. They come in single and double flowers and are short-lived perennials. If your garden is exposed to wind, select a sheltered location and stake your plants as soon as they sprout.
In April and May, hollyhock seedlings should be sown covertly. In May and June, the seeds may also be sown immediately outside. If you’re planting seeds undercover, fill a tray with compost and water it well to ensure that it is consistently moist.
The most important thing to understand about hollyhocks grown in containers is that they require a lot of space. Hollyhocks have long taproots as well as lateral roots that need space, so the deeper the pot, the better.
Although hollyhocks may grow in any type of garden soil, they prefer fertile, well-drained soil that receives direct sunlight for the tallest flower spikes. They tend to blow over, so pick a spot that is protected from severe winds.
Hollyhocks grown in pots are best planted in the spring or fall, although they can be planted at any time with a 60 cm spacing. Before being planted in the garden, plug plants that are purchased from garden centres or online should be grown on in 10cm pots to develop a strong root system.
Throughout the first several months, water young plants and seedlings often to keep the top 15 cm of soil moist but not waterlogged. After that, the garden's plants should only require water during extended dry or hot times. Check our watering guide.
Put a bamboo cane or sturdy stake next to each stem in your windy garden and connect the stem to the support as it grows. Since they are naturally tall, hollyhocks are susceptible to wind damage. They should be adequately sheltered if you put them next to a wall or fence, but if necessary, add a cane to support each flower spike.
Hollyhocks won't require any additional feed if you have healthy soil that is rich in nutrients. Hollyhocks grown in containers require regular fertiliser feedings with liquid. Often, plants growing in healthy garden soil won't require further supplemental nutrition.
In your garden, hollyhocks will easily self-seed and are simple to grow from seed. If the new plants are hybrids or cultivars, they could not be exactly like the parent plants. Plants that self-seed can be lifted when they're young and x Alternately, you can direct-sow seeds in May or