How to Plant Hollyhocks Seeds

Hollyhocks bloom on tall spires.

Hollyhocks grow to heights of 5 to 8 feet producing towering spires lined with bell-shaped blooms in shades of pink, yellow, purple, red and white. Bottom buds open first and flowering proceeds up the spire until the plant is in full bloom. As a traditional cottage garden plant, hollyhock adds height and dimension to sunny beds. Available as annuals, biennials or perennials the most common variety in the United States is the biennial that forms a rosette of leaves the first year and blooms the second. Starting seeds inside may produce blooms the first year.

Things You'll Need

• Seed starter
• Seed trays or cells
• Hollyhock seeds
• Mister
• Water-soluble fertilizer

Instructions

1. Fill seed trays with seed starter and mist to moisten the soil. Seed starter is lightweight and difficult to work with when dry.

2. Plant hollyhock seeds inside 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow one hollyhock seed per cell to a depth of 1/8 inch and cover with soil. Firm down lightly and water to moisten the seeds.

3. Keep soil moist until seedlings emerge in 5 to 10 days. Soil temperatures of 72 degrees Fahrenheit promotes rapid germination, but seeds will germinate at temperatures in the 50's.

4. Place seedlings in bright light and water when soil dries.

5. Begin fertilizing with water soluble fertilizer when plants are 4 inches high. Follow the recommended application rate for seedlings as outlined on the package.

6. Harden seedlings off before transplanting to the garden by placing them in a sheltered outside location during the day and bringing them inside at night. Gradually increase exposure to both sun and wind to acclimate seedlings to their new growing environment.

7. Plant seedlings in the garden as soon as the danger of frost has passed.

References

• UC Davis: The Garden Hollyhock
• University of Illinois Extension: Hollyhocks

Resources

• University of Missouri Extension: Starting Plants from Seed