Hollyhock - Chaters Double Yellow

40 Seeds

Hollyhock 'Chater's Double Yellow' is a stunning biennial (sometimes grown as a short-lived perennial) that produces large, fully double golden-yellow flowers on tall flower spikes reaching 1.5–2.5 meters. It is ideal for cottage gardens, borders, walls, and cut flowers, and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. In the Gulf region, it performs best during the cool season.

Best Planting Time

• September to January (recommended)
• Can also be sown in February in cooler Gulf areas.
• Avoid sowing during the hottest summer months.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Optional: Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 6–8 hours before sowing to improve germination.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.

Soil Preparation

Hollyhocks prefer fertile, deep, well-drained soil.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Sandy garden soil
• 30% Well-rotted compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.5–7.5

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or directly into prepared soil.
• Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.
• Cover lightly with fine soil.
• Keep the soil evenly moist until germination.
• Transplant seedlings when they have 3–4 true leaves, taking care not to disturb the roots.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 18–22°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 15–28°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• In the Gulf, light afternoon shade during warm spring weather helps extend flowering.

Watering

• Keep the soil lightly moist during germination.
• Once established, water deeply when the top 3–5 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Avoid waterlogging while ensuring consistent moisture during flowering.

Germination Time

• 10–21 days

Plant Spacing

• 45–60 cm between plants.
• 60–75 cm between rows.

Flowering

• Flowers typically appear 4–6 months after sowing under Gulf cool-season conditions.
• Remove faded flowers to prolong blooming, or leave some flowers to produce seeds.

Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil before planting.
• Feed every 4–6 weeks with a balanced flowering fertilizer.
• During bud formation, apply a fertilizer slightly higher in potassium to improve flowering.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth instead of flowers.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow only during the cool season.
• Water early in the morning.
• Apply mulch to keep the roots cool and conserve moisture.
• Protect tall flowering stems from strong winds using stakes if necessary.
• Ensure good air circulation to reduce fungal diseases.
• Monitor for aphids, spider mites, rust disease, powdery mildew, and slugs (in humid conditions).
• 'Chater's Double Yellow' performs beautifully in cottage gardens, borders, along fences and walls, large containers, and home landscapes throughout the Gulf.