SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface to 1/8". Press in lightly.
Sprout Time:
13-25 days after chill
Starting Indoors:
Sow indoors in pots about 6-8 weeks before planting out. Keep at 35-40°F for 10 days, then at 65-70°F. Provide moist conditions by placing a humidity dome over the containers until germination occurs.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow spring to summer for flowers the following year.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Fig hollyhock is a disease-resistant cottage garden favorite that blooms in a seemingly never-ending display as the large saucer-shaped flowers open in succession from the bottom up. They provide a strong vertical accent in gardens and look great supported by a picket fence or against a shed. In windy areas, stake the plants and space them well apart to increase air circulation and avoid rust disease. To encourage its perennial tendencies, cut back the plants after blooming, leaving a stalk to ripen seeds. Plant the hollyhock in areas where the soils are fertile and well-drained as it is not tolerant of saturated, wet soils, especially in winter. The plant readily self-sows.
Watering Details:
1" a week. Drought tolerant once established due to its tap-rooted nature.
Fertilizer:
Incorporate a 1" layer of compost annually.
Diseases & Pests:
Avoid fungal rust problems by spacing plants properly and planting them in a location that receives good air flow. If hollyhock rust has ever been a problem spray with organic fungicide preventively throughout the season or plant in a new location. If slugs are troublesome to new seedlings sprinkle some diatomaceous earth or iron phosphate pellets on the ground around the plants.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when 1/3 of flowers are open.
