This single hollyhock is about as close as a flower can get to really black, a deep, deep, purple it is very decorative and an excellent counterpoint in arrangements. While technically a biennial, hollyhock plantings last for decades as a result of division and self-seeding.

30 seeds

PLANTING

Alcea rosea

Biennial, zones 3-8

Germination:10-21days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 60-70F

Seed Planting Depth:Sow on the surface and lightly cover, seeds need some light to germinate

Starting Indoors:Start indoors6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 60-70F soil temperature. Transplant after last frost, 18-24 apart

Sowing Outdoors:Direct sow after the last frostor in the fall

Growth Habit:Columnar

Height and Width:48-60″ by 12-18″

Spacing:12-24” apart

Light Needs:Full sun to part shade

Soil Needs:Fertile, moist, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed:Blooms in the second season

Uses:Cut flowers, back border ofthe flower garden, cottage gardens, attracts pollinators

Care:Water seedlings regularly until established. Amend soil with compost before transplanting.Cut back stems as the blooms fade, this encourages more flower production. Leave some seed pods on the plant of you would like it to self-seed.