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Hollyhock Seeds

Alcea rosea

4.33 (3 reviews)
  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS
  • REVIEWS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: For early spring growth, direct sow in August or September; hollyhock seeds can also be spring planted after the last spring frost. This plant grows best in full sun and rich soil, in a protected location. Plant the hollyhock seeds no more than 1/4" deep and do not allow the soil to dry out until the seeds germinate, which should occur in 14-21 days. Thin to 20-24" apart in rows 3' apart. Thinned seedlings can be transplanted. To start seed indoors, plant the seeds just below the surface of the soil; keep the soil moist and at a temperature of 70 degrees F until germination. After the last hard frost or when the plants grow big enough to handle safely, transplant them.

Growing: When the hollyhocks bloom, make sure the soil does not dry out; these plants do not tolerate dry soil. Water carefully to avoid getting the foliage wet, since this often leads to rust and other diseases. If leaves become infected by rust, remove them immediately. Watch young plants especially for slugs and snails. While some first year plants may bloom, full blooming will occur in the second year of growth. Pinching off the tips of the stalks for several weeks will cause fuller, shorter growth. Hollyhock self sows readily, making it practically perennial unless the spent blossoms are removed to prevent seed development. After the first frost of autumn, cut the stalks of the hollyhocks down to ground level and cover with a layer of mulch for protection; remove the mulch in the spring. Hollyhock also grows well as a container plant and attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Harvesting: Though hollyhocks reach their full potential when displayed in the garden, they can be used for cut flowers after a simple treatment. Because the stems secrete a sticky substance that causes them to become unable to draw in water, the stalks will immediately droop unless the ends are seared either with a flame or boiling water. Opinions differ on the best method of treatment, so experimentation may be necessary.

Seed Saving: After the hollyhock flowers have finished blooming, they will drop their petals and a fuzzy seed pod will form. When the outer covering of the pod begins to fold back to reveal the brown seeds, they have matured and are ready to be harvested. Remove the pods and spread them out to dry away from direct sunlight. Rub them lightly to separate the seed from the pods, and store the cleaned hollyhock seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Alcea rosea

Species Origin: China

Type: Garden Flowers

Life Cycle: Annual, Biennial

USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 2,200

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 64 Inches

Color: White, Pink, Red, Yellow

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer

Uses: Cut Flowers

Hollyhock Seeds 5.0
Review By valerie shideler

My garden

Top seed vendor, always have great results!

Hollyhock Seeds 5.0
Review By HortLife

This IS The Correct Name

In response to the review who was on their high horse, and gave a low rating out of spite:
This is the correct seed; referring to it as Hollyhock is correct. The only thing that should be considered when buying a plant is the scientific name. This plant IS Alcea rosea, also known as Hollyhock, in common language. There should be no disputations on the correct vs. incorrect common name, it all depends on the region you are in and what the locals refer to it as-this does not change the scientific name/identity of the plant. To give an example, Pinus ponderosa is known as Ponderosa pine where I'm from, but when I search for it online, it is known as the Yellow Western Pine. What a conundrum!!! Point is, a low rating should not have been given, because someone doesn't refer to it the same as another person does. Now, I'll get off my high horse.

Hollyhock Seeds 3.0
Review By electriac

Wrong Name

This plant is often referred to as "Althea or Alcea Rosea" although it is not a "Hollyhock - Althea". It is in the family "Malvina" and is var "Sylvestris". It casts seeds and is invasive. It is interesting that in my zone3 garden it continues to bloom sometimes into December. Note that the picture is of a "Hollyhock" and "Malvina Sylvestris has purple stripes on the petals. I have pictures for anyone interested.

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~200 Seeds) $3.48 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~2,200 Seeds) $9.54 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $21.46 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $69.00 -+
5 Lb Bulk Bag (2.27kg) $310.50 -+
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $552.00 -+
25 Lb Bulk Bag (11.3kg) $1,311.00 -+
50 Lb Bulk Bag (22.7kg) $2,484.00 -+
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DESCRIPTION

This old-fashioned favorite is a popular pick for many flower enthusiasts. Many people plant the large, colorful blossoms in narrow spaces with a lot of headroom, such as along walls or fences. Usually blooms in the second year.
As its appearance suggests, Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is a relative of the exotic hibiscus of the tropics; records show that the first of the plants brought to Europe came with the Crusaders from the Holy Land, by way of their original home, China. The name is derived from "holy" and "hoc," an Anglo Saxon word for this type of flower. Hollyhock has become a traditional favorite in the arid southwestern regions of the United States and in Mexico because of its hardy survival of blazing sun and persistent drought. The Alcea rosea plant has a history of medicinal use; also, the stems contain a tough fiber that has been used for making both paper and cloth, and dyes of various colors can be obtained from the petals. For centuries, little girls have found their own use for this Alcea Rosea plant by making "hollyhock dolls" from the blossoms. To make your own, pluck a hollyhock flower from the stem and turn it face down to find a lady wearing a silky ballroom gown.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: For early spring growth, direct sow in August or September; hollyhock seeds can also be spring planted after the last spring frost. This plant grows best in full sun and rich soil, in a protected location. Plant the hollyhock seeds no more than 1/4" deep and do not allow the soil to dry out until the seeds germinate, which should occur in 14-21 days. Thin to 20-24" apart in rows 3' apart. Thinned seedlings can be transplanted. To start seed indoors, plant the seeds just below the surface of the soil; keep the soil moist and at a temperature of 70 degrees F until germination. After the last hard frost or when the plants grow big enough to handle safely, transplant them.

Growing: When the hollyhocks bloom, make sure the soil does not dry out; these plants do not tolerate dry soil. Water carefully to avoid getting the foliage wet, since this often leads to rust and other diseases. If leaves become infected by rust, remove them immediately. Watch young plants especially for slugs and snails. While some first year plants may bloom, full blooming will occur in the second year of growth. Pinching off the tips of the stalks for several weeks will cause fuller, shorter growth. Hollyhock self sows readily, making it practically perennial unless the spent blossoms are removed to prevent seed development. After the first frost of autumn, cut the stalks of the hollyhocks down to ground level and cover with a layer of mulch for protection; remove the mulch in the spring. Hollyhock also grows well as a container plant and attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Harvesting: Though hollyhocks reach their full potential when displayed in the garden, they can be used for cut flowers after a simple treatment. Because the stems secrete a sticky substance that causes them to become unable to draw in water, the stalks will immediately droop unless the ends are seared either with a flame or boiling water. Opinions differ on the best method of treatment, so experimentation may be necessary.

Seed Saving: After the hollyhock flowers have finished blooming, they will drop their petals and a fuzzy seed pod will form. When the outer covering of the pod begins to fold back to reveal the brown seeds, they have matured and are ready to be harvested. Remove the pods and spread them out to dry away from direct sunlight. Rub them lightly to separate the seed from the pods, and store the cleaned hollyhock seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Alcea rosea

Species Origin: China

Type: Garden Flowers

Life Cycle: Annual, Biennial

USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 2,200

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 64 Inches

Color: White, Pink, Red, Yellow

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer

Uses: Cut Flowers

Reviews

4.33
Global Rating: 4.33 from 3 reviews
5.0

Review By valerie shideler

My garden

Top seed vendor, always have great results!

5.0

Review By HortLife

This IS The Correct Name

In response to the review who was on their high horse, and gave a low rating out of spite:
This is the correct seed; referring to it as Hollyhock is correct. The only thing that should be considered when buying a plant is the scientific name. This plant IS Alcea rosea, also known as Hollyhock, in common language. There should be no disputations on the correct vs. incorrect common name, it all depends on the region you are in and what the locals refer to it as-this does not change the scientific name/identity of the plant. To give an example, Pinus ponderosa is known as Ponderosa pine where I'm from, but when I search for it online, it is known as the Yellow Western Pine. What a conundrum!!! Point is, a low rating should not have been given, because someone doesn't refer to it the same as another person does. Now, I'll get off my high horse.

3.0

Review By electriac

Wrong Name

This plant is often referred to as "Althea or Alcea Rosea" although it is not a "Hollyhock - Althea". It is in the family "Malvina" and is var "Sylvestris". It casts seeds and is invasive. It is interesting that in my zone3 garden it continues to bloom sometimes into December. Note that the picture is of a "Hollyhock" and "Malvina Sylvestris has purple stripes on the petals. I have pictures for anyone interested.