Planting hollyhock seeds presents a choice of two planting windows each year: either in early spring or late autumn.
Growing Your Own Hollyhocks: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Introduction
- Embrace the Height and Colour of HollyhocksHollyhocks are a staple of any cottage garden. They tower above other plants, boasting beautiful flowers and attracting wildlife. Best of all, they're easy to grow. However, timing is crucial when it comes to planting hollyhock seeds.
- Seasonal PlantingHollyhock seeds should ideally be planted in October, taking advantage of the natural dispersion of seeds during September and October. But don't worry if you've missed this window; you can also plant hollyhock seeds in early summer, around May or June, once all the danger of frost has passed.
- Direct Sowing and GerminationExperts recommend direct sowing the seeds for hollyhocks. But if you live in areas with heavy or poorly drained soil, consider planting the seeds in late summer in a cool greenhouse, then overwintering the plants in cool, well-lit conditions. Transplant them back outdoors the following spring for larger plants.
- When to Plant Hollyhock Seeds?To ensure your seeds germinate successfully, it's important to consider planting time. Plant them too early, and the seedlings may not survive frost; plant them too late, and the soil may be too dry. If you're unsure when to plant hollyhock seeds, seek advice from the experts at Thompson & Morgan, Crocus, Sarah Raven, or garden expert Leigh Clapp.
- Harvesting and PropagationHollyhocks bloom in July, offering impressive blooms that can reach heights of 2 meters with well-drained, fertile soil and full sun. Once they mature, hollyhocks self-seed in the UK, making it easy to propagate the plants. Learn how to collect seeds and share them with family and friends.
FAQs
What is the Lifespan of a Hollyhock Flower?
Hollyhocks are biennial plants, which means they produce flowers for only two years. They spend their first year growing a rosette of leaves and storing energy in their roots. In the second year, they develop a flowering stalk, produce flowers, set seeds, and then die. To ensure consistent blooms, succession planting is recommended, planting seeds in the first and second years.
Do Hollyhocks Self-Seed in the UK?
Yes, hollyhocks self-seed in the UK. This means that once you've got established plants, you no longer need to worry about when to plant hollyhock seeds. One of the benefits of hollyhocks is that they produce lots of seeds, making it easy to populate your own garden and share with others.
Garden Experts
- Leigh Clapp: A garden expert who emphasizes the impressive blooms of hollyhocks
- Thompson & Morgan: Offering a range of stunning hollyhock varieties for you to choose from
- Crocus: Suggesting the use of the Alcea rosea 'Single Mixture'
- Sarah Raven: Recommending the Alcalthaea suffrutescens 'Parkrondell' for its ease of growth.
- Incorporating hollyhocks into a home-and-garden setting could elevate your lifestyle, with their towering height and striking blooms adding a touch of charm to any space.
- When planning your home-and-garden layout, take into account the beneficial aspect of growing hollyhocks, such as their ability to self-seed and attract wildlife.
