How to Transplant Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks are biennials that bloom during their second season. With proper care, you can enjoy Hollyhocks for years to come. Transplanting a Hollyhock involves little skill, but you need to know and understand the facts about this plant. Transplanting a mature plant (also known as the "mother" plant) will more than likely kill it. In fact, any Hollyhock that has an established taproot should not be moved. It is best to transplant seedlings--baby plants that are small shoots. The best time to move these youngsters is when they are approximately 5-inches tall and have a strong root system. Hollyhocks are also notorious for taking over the space they grow in. Plant Hollyhocks where you can easily manage their growth.

Things You'll Need

• Hollyhock seedling
• Trowel
• 4-inch planter

Instructions

1. Water the Hollyhocks. The evening before you transplant your Hollyhocks, given them a good soaking. This helps to supple the root system and holds the dirt around the roots, which you will need to move along with the plant.

2. Determine the location. Before transporting the Hollyhocks, figure out where you will plant them. Hollyhocks look best when arranged in groups of 2 to 4 plants as a border for a walkway. You can also line them against a wall or the perimeter of your home, as they will grow much taller than other plants.

3. Dig holes. Now that you've decided upon your Hollyhocks' new location, dig holes approximately 6 inches deep and 4 inches across. Fill these holes with water about until they are halfway full.

4. Choose the plants. When transplanting baby Hollyhocks, choose only the best. Look for strong, green plants with a stem that is about 5-inches long. The young plant should have the beginnings of green leaves that are healthy with no visible discoloration or spotting. Both of these are indications of disease. Your baby Hollyhocks should also have a strong root system, even though they are young.

5. Remove the plant. If your babies have seeded from a mother plant, they will be scattered around and a little harder, but not impossible, to transplant. Take a trowel and carefully scoop underneath the baby Hollyhock, being careful to not damage its roots. Lift the plant, along with soil, and place in a small planter (about 4 inches in diameter).

6. Relocate the plant. Take the planter with the baby Hollyhock inside to your chosen location. If you grew Hollyhocks from seeds in small containers or egg cartons, get the young plants now.

7. Place the plants in the hole. Take the plant gently from the planter or egg carton, including the dirt, and place it in the hole.

8. Secure the plant. With your trowel, move surrounding dirt into the hole and cover the Hollyhock's root system. Gently smooth the dirt over and around the plant until it is secure and standing up straight.

9. Water the Hollyhock. Give your plant a final watering.

Tips & Warnings

• Always transplant early in the morning. Hollyhocks do best in sunny locations that have good drainage.