Alcea ficifolia 'Cottage Mixed' Seeds – Enhance Your Garden with Stunning, Hardy Hollyhocks

Alcea ficifolia 'Cottage Mixed', commonly known as Fig-Leaved Hollyhock, is a tall, robust perennial that produces large, vibrant flowers in a variety of colors, including shades of yellow, pink, red, and white. Unlike traditional hollyhocks, this variety is rust-resistant, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardening. With its impressive height and long bloom period, it creates a stunning backdrop for cottage gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows while attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Alcea ficifolia 'Cottage Mixed'
• Common Name: Fig-Leaved Hollyhock
• Plant Type: Hardy perennial
• Flower Colors: Mixed shades of yellow, pink, red, and white
• Mature Height: 5 to 7 feet
• Spread: 18 to 24 inches
• Light Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Watering Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• Blooming Season: Midsummer to early fall
• Uses: Cottage gardens, borders, backdrops, pollinator gardens

Why Grow Alcea ficifolia 'Cottage Mixed'?

• Long-Lasting, Vibrant Blooms – Large, colorful flowers add charm and elegance
• Tall & Striking Presence – Perfect for creating vertical interest in the garden
• Pollinator Magnet – Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Rust-Resistant & Hardy – More resistant to diseases than traditional hollyhocks
• Easy to Grow & Low Maintenance – Adapts to various conditions with minimal care

How to Grow Alcea ficifolia 'Cottage Mixed' from Seeds:

Seed Sowing Instructions:

• Best Time to Sow: Late winter to early spring indoors, or direct sow outdoors after the last frost
• Sowing Method:
  • Start indoors in seed trays or directly sow in prepared garden soil
  • Cover seeds lightly with soil (about 1/4 inch deep)
  • Keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering
• Germination Conditions:
  • Soil temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Germination time: 10-21 days

Transplanting & Care:

• Once seedlings have 2-3 sets of true leaves, transplant them 18-24 inches apart
• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil for best flowering

Care and Maintenance:

• Watering: Water moderately; drought-tolerant once established
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for healthy growth
• Staking: Tall plants may need staking in windy areas
• Pruning: Remove spent blooms to extend flowering and cut back in fall for winter preparation
• Winter Protection: In colder regions, apply a light mulch layer for root insulation

Companion Planting Suggestions:

• Looks beautiful alongside Roses, Delphiniums, Foxgloves, and Lupines
• Pairs well with Lavender, Echinacea, and Ornamental Grasses for a natural cottage garden effect
• Complements Daisies, Coreopsis, and Bee Balm for a pollinator-friendly garden

Create a Breathtaking Garden with Alcea ficifolia 'Cottage Mixed'

With its tall stature, vibrant blooms, and disease resistance, Alcea ficifolia 'Cottage Mixed' is an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add height, color, and pollinator appeal to their landscape. Whether in borders, meadows, or cottage gardens, these stunning fig-leaved hollyhocks will bring years of beauty and elegance to your outdoor space.