Description

Botanical Interests' Organic Outhouse Hollyhock Seeds (Alcea rosea and A. ficifolia) offer a nod to garden history with their tall, vibrant 2″–4″ flowers in pink, red, burgundy, and white hues. Known for their long bloom period, these hollyhocks are perfect for adding beauty and charm to full-sun gardens. Once grown around outhouses, they provide striking height while attracting pollinators. The flowers' large, colorful petals are edible, ideal for garnishing salads and desserts, though the central disk can be bitter. Drought-tolerant yet best in rich, moist soil, they are easy to grow and require minimal care.

Botanical Name: Alcea rosea and A. ficifolia.
Family: Malvaceae
Native: Origin unknown
Hardiness: Biennial, hardy in USDA zones 3–9
Plant Dimensions: 6'–9' tall
Variety Information: 2″–4″, single, pink, red, burgundy, or white flowers, some with contrasting centers
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Period: Summer
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Fairly Drought Tolerant

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, or 2 months before your average first fall frost date.
When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted in the ground.
Days to Emerge: 10–14 days
Seed Depth: Press into surface
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 24″–36″
Thinning: When 3″ tall, thin to 1 every 24″–36″

Harvesting: For longest-lasting cut flowers, harvest when 1/3 of the flowers on the stem have opened. Harvest in the morning; cut stem at an angle and immediately place in a bucket of warm water. Before placing in a vase, dip the stem end in boiling water for a minute, or sear it over a flame for 20 seconds; this will stop the flow of the milky sap so it does not clog the stem.

22 seeds.