Hollyhock Seeds
How To Grow Perennial (biennial) Hollyhocks From Seeds
Perennial Hollyhocks seeds need to be in the ground in late summer for next years bloom.
- Use good soil with nutrients to help the seeds grow.
- Do not plant Hollyhock Seeds too deeply, just � inch or so in depth.
- If in fact you want to sow the seeds directly into the garden, sprinkle the seeds on top of tilled soil and sprinkle more soil to cover the seeds � inch.
- To transplant seedlings into the garden when all danger of frost has passed. Be sure the roots are covered well with soil and that the flowers are 1� to 2 feet apart. They will grow best in full sun to partial shade and need watered regularly.
- Hollyhocks have been known to cross-pollinate. Gardeners should only grow one variety at a time to save pure seed.
- Seeds are ready to harvest when the seed capsules are completely dry and brown. The capsules can be taken of the plant and the seeds are easily separated from the paper-like husk.
In the garden, they need plenty of room. Final spacing should be 18-24". Give them plenty of room to allow air circulation and minimize rust and other disease.
Established Hollyhock plants can be separated by division. This is best done in the fall to allow the replants time to grow good roots in their new location before winter.
Hollyhock like rich well drained soil. Water as needed to keep the soil moist at all times. Adding a general-purpose fertilizer once a month will result in bigger, fuller blooms.
After the growing season is over, you can cut back the Hollyhock to ground level. To assure that the plant does not die back completely, cover the area with mulch, in case the winter is harsh.
Rust disease is a common problem. We recommend you apply fungicides regularly.
|