SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface to 1/8". Press in lightly.
Sprout Time:
Germinates irregularly over a long period
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 late spring to summer.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Rugose Hollyhock is a disease resistant cottage garden favorite that blooms in a seemingly never ending display, for the large saucer-shaped flowers open in succession from the bottom up. Providing a strong vertical accent in gardens, they look great supported by a picket fence or against a shed. Stake if growing in windy areas and space well apart to increase air circulation and avoid disease. 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.
