How to Plant Hollyhocks. Sow groups of two or three seeds 2 to 3 feet apart, depending on fully grown plants’ size at maturity, in early spring after the last frost or beginning in August until 2 months before the first fall frost. Press seeds into the soil and cover lightly with soil; sunlight aids in germination. Plant hollyhocks in full sun for best flowering. Choose a garden spot for your hollyhocks that has good drainage. Shelter hollyhocks from the wind to prevent the tall stems from flopping. Space individual hollyhock plants between 18 and 24 inches apart to promote good air circulation to avoid rust fungal disease. When you first plant a hollyhock, keep it well-watered to allow the roots to take hold, and then continue to water it regularly throughout the growing season. Using a soaker hose, direct the water at the base of the plant to avoid splashing the leaves; wet leaves can lead to rust, the most common plant disease in hollyhocks. HOW TO PLANT HOLLYHOCKS How and when to plant hollyhock seeds: Hollyhocks are easily started from seed indoors or out. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors about a week before last frost. Sow at just ¼ inch deep and about 2 feet apart. Hollyhocks have long taproots, so if seeds are started indoors, use tall, individual pots and transplant early Plant or store the hollyhock seeds. Once you’ve picked the seed pods and separated the seeds out, you have three options: Plant the seeds in the same area of the garden if your hollyhocks did well in that spot, or just let them fall off the plant to the ground. Fall-planted seeds will winter over and germinate in the spring. Keep this in mind if you decide to plant hollyhock in a container. Occasionally, you might be able to find hollyhock sold as a bare root or in a container from a local garden center. If you purchase a bare root or a container, plant them in early spring or late fall a week or 2 before the last frost. Identify a location and dig holes to place When to Plant Hollyhock Roots. Plant your hollyhock roots in the spring after frosts have passed and the soil can be worked. In warmer zones, plant as early in spring as possible. Where to Plant Hollyhock Roots. Hollyhocks thrive in full sun, though they can tolerate light shade. Sun exposure encourages robust growth and abundant flowering. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): Their bright, daisy-like flowers can light up the base of tall hollyhock plants. Daisies: Their simple and bright flowers can act as a cheerful foreground or mid-ground to the towering hollyhocks. Salvia: The spiky blooms of salvia plants can mirror the height of hollyhocks, adding another layer of vertical interest. While beautiful, hollyhocks can be affected by a wide range of diseases. Most notable among these are powdery mildew and rust. Both result from issues related to moisture and humidity. This makes using proper watering techniques and spacing vital to their prevention. Several nuisance pests like to frequent hollyhock plants. Hollyhock weevils Hollyhock Seeds & Plants Popular in romantic cottage gardens, brightly colored hollyhock plants can reach 6 feet tall or more — making it a sweet option to grow along a fence or at the back of a border. Hollyhocks are beautiful flowering plants that can add a touch of elegance and charm to any garden or landscape. These tall, vibrant plants are known for their showy flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are stunning flowering plants that add a touch of elegance to any garden. These tall, sturdy plants are known for their vibrant flowers that come in a range of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and white.
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