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Alcea 'Single Mixed'

Flowers

Alcea 'Single Mixed'

Hollyhock

RHS Plants for Pollinators

Excellent choice of Hollyhock flower to grow against a sunny wall or fence, where the tall flower spikes are protected from wind. Usually grown as a biennial, or short-lived perennial. They will self-seed unless the flower heads are removed.

Plant type
Biennial
Position
Full Sun
Height
2.4m
Spread
50cm

Growing calendar

JFMAMJJASOND
Sow indoors
Sow outdoors
Flowering

Sowing & growing

Sow indoors Mar-April in moist, seed compost. Sow seeds 2cm apart and cover lightly with soil. Germinate at 15-21°C. When large enough, transplant seedlings and grow on in cool conditions. Plant out May-June 30cm apart. Handle by leaves rather than the fragile stem. Direct sow outdoors April-May. Can also be sown undercover June-Aug and overwintered in a greenhouse or cold frame for planting the following year.

Aftercare

Hollyhocks can be prone to rust, but this can be prevented with a fungicide treatment. Cut back faded flowers to prevent them self-seeding.

Ref. SEA018