Double Hollyhock Alcea Rosea Seeds for Planting, 100 pcs

Double Hollyhock (Alcea Rosea) Seeds are a fantastic choice for gardeners who want to add towering, showy blooms to their garden. Known for their large, double-layered flowers, these plants are perfect for creating a dramatic focal point in flower beds, borders, or along fences.

Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Alcea rosea
• Common Name: Double Hollyhock
• Bloom Color: Available in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, yellow, and purple
• Plant Type: Biennial or short-lived perennial (usually grown as an annual)
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil
• Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil
• Growth Habit: Tall, upright growth with large, lush flowers
• Height & Spread: Typically 4-8 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
• Hardiness Zones: USDA 3-9

Why Grow Double Hollyhocks?

• Dramatic Flowers: The large, double blooms give a full and ruffled appearance, making them stand out in any garden.
• Long-Lasting Blooms: These plants produce flowers for a long period, usually in summer, creating vibrant vertical interest.
• Easy to Grow: Hollyhocks are relatively easy to grow, making them perfect for gardeners of all experience levels.
• Attract Pollinators: The flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding to the biodiversity in your garden.
• Ideal for Tall Garden Structures: They are great for growing along fences, trellises, or as a backdrop in flower beds due to their height.

Planting & Care Instructions:

1. Seed Preparation & Sowing:
   • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly outdoors after the threat of frost has passed.
   • Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to help improve germination.
   • Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining, seed-starting mix.
   • Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C) for optimal germination, which typically occurs in 14-21 days.
2. Transplanting & Growth:
   • Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them outdoors after the frost risk has passed.
   • Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and room for their tall growth.
   • Hollyhocks thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
3. Maintenance:
   • Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging, as Hollyhocks dislike standing water.
   • Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
   • Support tall plants with stakes or allow them to grow against a fence or wall for additional support, as they can become top-heavy.
   • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and tidy up the plant.
4. Winter Care:
   • In colder climates (zones 3-6), treat Hollyhocks as biennials. The plants may die back in winter, but new growth will emerge in the spring.
   • In warmer zones (7-9), they can be grown as perennials and may need light winter protection, such as mulching around the base.

Ideal For:

• Flower Borders & Beds: The tall, dramatic flowers are perfect for the back of flower beds or along garden borders.
• Fences & Trellises: Hollyhocks make great climbing plants along fences or trellises, where they can grow tall and produce abundant blooms.
• Cottage Gardens: Their old-fashioned charm makes them a favorite in cottage-style gardens.
• Pollinator Gardens: The blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing your garden's ecosystem.

The Double Hollyhock (Alcea Rosea) will bring towering beauty and elegance to your garden with its striking double blooms. These seeds provide the opportunity to grow a stunning range of colors, adding vertical interest and creating a lively focal point. Order your 100-piece pack today and start growing these beautiful, dramatic flowers in your garden!