How to Sow Hollyhock Seeds
Hollyhocks, "Alcea" is a native of the southwest and central Asia, south east Europe, and Egypt. They grow to about 11 feet tall with round lobed leaves and pink or yellow flowers. The hollyhock blooms the season after the seeds are planted and will grow again year after year. This is known as a biennial.
- Plant the hollyhock seeds any time between May and September. Be sure the last frost has past. Plant early in the season in areas where the summer is short, since the hollyhock seeds will need a couple months of full sun.
- Mix organic compost in with the dirt already in the ground in the area where you are going to plant the hollyhock. Prepare the soil about 6 inches deep. Add manure to the mix for added nutrition
- Plant the hollyhock seeds in the ground 1 inch deep. Space the seeds at least 18 inches apart.
- Water the seeds well and remember to keep the soil moist at all times. Seedlings will start to become visible above the ground within 21 days.
- Thin the growing seedlings so they will be spaced no closer than 24 inches apart. This will allow the hollyhocks adequate room for growth. This spacing will also help to reduce the chance of diseases spreading from one plant to the next.
- The first season will have a sparse amount of flowers. The next year, the blooms will be fuller and more plentiful. The hollyhocks will drop many seeds, ensuring a new crop of blossoms year after year.