Growing Hollyhock

Botanical Name:

Alcea rosea

Life Cycle:

short-lived perennial, biennial

Planting Time:

spring or fall

Height:

plants vary in size from 3' to 7' tall

Exposure:

full sun or light, part-day shade

Soil:

average to rich, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

biennial or short-lived perennial zones 2-9

Bloom Time:

late summer to fall

Flower:

variety of color shades including pinks, reds, yellows, whites and maroon-blacks

Foliage:

green leaves on upright stems holding flower spikes

Propagation:

seeds

Suggested Use:

back borders, accents against walls or fences

Growing Hints:

Purchase plants or start from seed by sowing seeds directly into the garden in the spring to early summer. Plants will bloom the following summer. For possible first year blooms, start seeds indoors in late winter. Hollyhock seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover seeds with soil. Plants may live a third year if you cut off their flower stalks after blooming, otherwise plan to replace spent plants with seedlings to keep a crop blooming each summer without interruption.

Interesting Facts:

The hollyhock is a relative to the hibiscus. Children adore making dolls out of hollyhocks. Use a flower for the skirt. Use a bud to top the skirt with a head (attach with a toothpick) and put another flower on the head to serve as a bonnet.