In general, hollyhocks are considered to be biennial plants (live for two years). The leaves grow in the first year, then flower, seed and die the following year. However, depending on growing conditions and plant resistance, hollyhocks can often live more than 2 years. In some climates, hollyhocks can last a long time despite their short lifespan. If you grow hollyhocks indoors, or live in an area with a long growth period, hollyhocks may flower in the first year.
Step
Step 1. Purchase hollyhock seeds of the variety and color you want
Hollyhocks come in a variety of colors, such as white, yellow, pink, and red. The stems can grow up to 1.8-2.7 meters.
Hollyhocks will re-seed themselves in the following years of growth. You can also harvest seeds from the plant in the fall
Step 2. Increase the chances of making a hollyhock bloom in its first year
Begin sowing seeds indoors in the fall to allow them to germinate in October or November. Let the seeds grow and feel the winter. This may trick the flowers into growing the following spring.
Step 3. Sow the seeds in a tray filled with sandy soil
Hollyhock seeds are large, have a high germination rate, and are sold in small quantities per pack. So, it's best to plant each seed individually. Place each seed 0.5-1 cm below the soil.
- Keep the tray near a window to expose the seeds to sunlight.
- Water the soil as needed to keep it moist. Hollyhock seeds will usually begin to germinate after 1-2 weeks.
Step 4. If you start sowing in the fall, transfer the hollyhock seedlings to a 10 to 15 cm pot
Store the pot in a sunny spot and allow the hollyhocks to grow indoors throughout the fall and winter.
Step 5. Plant hollyhocks outdoors in the spring, after all signs that winter has passed and the soil is at least 10°C
Or, at the same time, you can plant hollyhock seeds directly in the ground if you're not sowing them indoors.
Step 6. Choose the right location
While it can be grown in many climates and environments, hollyhocks will do well if garden conditions are right for their needs.
- Look for an area that gets full sun. Hollyhocks can grow in a partially covered area as long as they are exposed to the sun for 6 hours each day. However, the flowers will probably be smaller and the color will not be as bright.
- Select a protected area. Because they can grow very tall, hollyhocks will cover many other plants and are vulnerable to wind and rain. For optimal results, plant hollyhocks near a wall, tucked into the corner of a fence, or in a garden where flowers of similar height are planted.
Step 7. If needed, make the soil fertile with compost
Hollyhocks do best when planted in rich, moist soil.
Step 8. Plant each hollyhock plant 30-61 cm apart
Step 9. Sprinkle 5-8 cm of mulch on the soil around the plant
Mulch will help keep the soil moist, prevent grass from growing, and create a good environment for seeds to germinate.
Step 10. Water the hollyhocks regularly
As they begin to grow, water the hollyhocks daily. After that, water the hollyhocks twice a week if there is not enough water from the rain.
Step 11. Support or tie the plant with string if the hollyhocks get too heavy or look lopsided
Tie the plant loosely so that air circulation is not disturbed.
Step 12. Continue to water the plant until it finishes flowering
The seed petals on the stem will still continue to grow and will release seeds for flowers the following year.
Step 13. Harvest the hollyhock seed petals when they are brown and completely dry
Remove the petals and separate the seeds from the dry and thin skin. Or, just leave the seed petals on the plant to dry, open, and drop the seeds from reproduction.
Step 14. Plant or save hollyhock seeds
There are three possible options:
- Plant the seeds in the same area of the garden if the plants are growing well in that area, or let the seeds drop to the ground on their own. Seeds sown in the fall will feel the winter and germinate in the spring.
- If you want to replant hollyhocks in hopes of blooming in the spring, sow the seeds directly in the seedling tray for planting indoors.
- You can also store seeds in the refrigerator for planting outdoors the following year.
Step 15. Prune the plant to the ground and cover it with mulch to protect the plant from winter
Some people like to leave a few inches of the plant intact and cover the stump with firewood ashes. In addition to keeping the slugs away, the ash will also keep the stems moist.
