The Self-Seeding Flower You Should Plant In Late Summer For Beautiful Future Blooms

Whether you're short on time, new to gardening, or just want a no-fuss plant that will add a gorgeous touch to your garden, the hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is the perfect plant that you can plant right now for beautiful future blooms. Hollyhock is a flowering plant that tolerates poor soil and easily self-seeds, making it a perfect low-maintenance flowering plant. It grows up to 8 feet tall, depending on the variety, and adds vertical interest to a garden.

Under the hollyhock genus, there are more than 60 species with double and single flowering varieties and varying colors to choose from. The common hollyhock's flowers are typically shades of pink or red. The 'Peaches n Dreams' variety is a feminine mix of pale pink, peach, and cream-colored blossoms. For a moody, dramatic look, the 'Nigra' variety blooms in a deep burgundy, almost black. Whichever variety you choose, all hollyhocks are rich in nectar and are among the top flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, and are easily grown from seed.

How to plant hollyhock seeds for beautiful future blooms

Hollyhocks can grow easily from seeds in the right conditions. The seeds can be sown outdoors in late summer to early fall, about 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost. You can also start them two weeks earlier indoors. Planting now gives them the chance to germinate before going dormant for the winter. This sets you up to watch new foliage grow in the spring. Most hollyhocks are biennial plants, meaning their life cycle is two years long, and they will bloom during their second year. However, under the right conditions, some colonies can endure for years. 

Hollyhock seeds have tough outer layers, so it is recommended to soak them in water for 12 hours before planting. Soaking helps to soften the shell. Hollyhock seeds need both light and heat to germinate. Sow them where they will receive direct sunlight in well-draining soil. When you're ready to plant, put them in holes 1/4 inch deep and 18 to 24 inches apart, but do not cover them with soil. Water them lightly to settle the soil and keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate.

With the right care and warm weather, you should see seedlings start to emerge in just 10 to 14 days. Hollyhocks are generally hardy down to zone 2, but if you live in an area susceptible to hard freezes, your delicate seedlings might benefit from mulching to keep them warm and prevent damage from snow. It's a good idea to fertilize your hollyhocks come springtime.

Recommended