Growing Hollyhocks: A Complete Guide to Growing and Caring for These Beautiful Flowers

Hollyhocks are a stunning addition to any garden, with their tall stalks and brightly colored blossoms. They are easy to grow and care for, making them perfect for beginners or experienced gardeners alike. In this guide, we'll show you everything you need to know about growing and caring for hollyhocks.

Choosing the Right Location

The first step to growing healthy hollyhocks is choosing the right location. Hollyhocks need full sun to thrive, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They also prefer well-draining soil, so make sure the area is not prone to standing water.

If you have clay soil, consider amending it with organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve drainage. Add a layer of mulch around your hollyhocks to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Planting Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks can be started from seed or purchased as young plants. If starting from seed, sow them in the spring after the last frost. Simply scatter the seeds over the soil and cover lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 7-14 days.

If planting young plants, choose healthy specimens with strong stems and leaves. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and place the plant in it, gently packing soil around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.

Watering and Fertilizing

Keep your hollyhocks well-watered, especially during hot spells or dry periods. Water deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases.

To encourage healthy growth and blooming, fertilize your hollyhocks every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil at planting time.

Pest and Disease Control

Hollyhocks are generally free from pests and diseases, but they can occasionally fall prey to rust or Japanese beetles. Rust appears as orange or brown spots on the leaves or stems. To control rust, remove infected foliage and spray the plant with a fungicide.

Japanese beetles can be picked off by hand or controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. If using insecticides, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and avoid spraying when bees or other beneficial insects are present.

Deadheading and Pruning

To promote continuous blooming, deadhead your hollyhocks regularly. This involves removing spent flowers before they go to seed. Cut the flower stalks down to the first set of leaves to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.

You can also prune your hollyhocks in the fall to help them survive the winter. Cut the stems back to within a few inches of the ground and remove any dead or diseased foliage.

Propagation

Hollyhocks can be propagated through division or cuttings. To divide, wait until the plant has finished blooming and then dig it up. Use a sharp knife to separate the root ball into several smaller sections, each with its own stem and leaves. Replant the divisions in a prepared bed and water well.

Cuttings can be taken in the summer by snipping off a stem just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot filled with moist potting soil and keep it in a bright, warm location. Once roots have formed, transplant the cutting into the garden.

A close-up of hollyhock blooms.

With their vibrant colors and towering stalks, hollyhocks make a stunning addition to any garden. By following these simple tips for growing and caring for hollyhocks, you can enjoy these beautiful flowers year after year.

Hollyhock, gardening, plant care, flowers, perennial plants