Native to Asia, Alcea rosea is one of 60 species in the family Malvaceae that are generally known as hollyhocks. Plant breeders such as Morgan & Thompson have grown new, double-flowered varieties like Peaches’N Dreams while the hollyhocks featured a string of blossoms on a flower spike. After sprouting, hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 10, these plants bloom the second year. Peaches’N Dreams climbs up which makes it perfect for lining the rear of the flowerbed or hiding leaves and fences.
Select a well-draining location in the backyard that receives at least six hours of sunlight. Hollyhocks are planted in the rear of the garden due to their size.
Dig 3 to 4 inches of compost into the soil, mixing thoroughly. A moist soil is preferred by hollyhocks.
Wind a drip irrigation hose throughout the backyard. Allow an spacing to the hollyhock plantings.
Put three on top of the soil, alongside each emitter. Don’t cover the seeds with soil or sand ; hollyhocks need light to germinate.
Cut the bottom from a translucent milk jug. Put the upper part of the jug over the seeds during the night or if the weather turns cool. Eliminate to permit warm air to vent. Hollyhocks germinate at 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add 4 inches of mulch over the garden bed avoid covering the hollyhock seeds. Mulch helps keep the soil evenly moist, even on warm or windy days.
Monitor the moisture level of the soil. Water daily if necessary to keep the seeds moist. Hollyhocks germinate in 10 to 14 days.
Snip off excess seedlings once the plants reach 6 inches tall. Use scissors to avoid disturbing the roots of the plant. Hollyhocks don’t transplant well and possess a deep taproot.
Insert bamboo stakes next to the hollyhock plant. Gently tie the flower stalks. The flower stalks of dual blossom varieties such as Peaches’n’ Dreams may bend or bend on windy or rainy days.
While the plant is actively growing fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. Don’t fertilize if the plant dies back in winter.
Remove if you want to stop hollyhocks from reseeding in the backyard once the blossoms fade.