Hollyhock, Single Mix – Alcea rosea

Description

Hollyhock Mix

This is a great, old-fashioned cottage garden flower from the mallow family, Malvaceae.  Our  Single Mix Hollyhock is an All-American award winner, with tall spikes of beautiful variations in bloom colors of white, pale to medium pinks, peaches, and pinky-reds. Single Mix Hollyhock is the heirloom, single and semi-double petal variety but some have smooth petals and some are more ruffly. The name “holy” hock may have begun from the belief that the Hollyhock came to England from the Far East after the Crusades, but the evidence is stronger that it came to Europe from China in 1573.  

Hardy and easy to grow, this species can grow to 4-6 feet tall and often blooms the first year.  Hollyhocks are biennials and often take two years to bloom and then die back, but will reseed prolifically.  If you plant seeds two years in a row, you will have blooms every year.  They can be considered a short-lived perennial in Zones 5-8.  Use for screening, or backdrop to a garden.  Plant near a wall or fence for support in a spot protected from the wind.   A mass planting of these, in full bloom, is really a beautiful sight.  Plant directly into the soil in the early spring.  They have long taproots and so do not like to be transplanted.  As the plants mature, avoid rust by watering the soil around the plants and don’t let the water splash on the leaves.

Color:  Whites, Pinks, Red, Peach
Height: 48-72
Type:  Biennial
Climate:  Sun-Dry/Avg
Seeds/lb.: 185,000, packet weight:4 gms, approx. 1500 seeds
Bloom Time: June-September
Zone: 3-8

For more information, check out our Wildflower Seed Planting Tips.