Hollyhock 'Majorette double' mix

150 seeds

How to Seed Hollyhock ‘Majorette Double’ Mix (Althaea rosea)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Outdoors: From October to February, when temperatures range between 15–25°C (59–77°F).

   • Indoors or nursery trays: From December to February for transplanting before spring.

   • Avoid sowing from April to September, as Gulf heat reduces germination and damages young seedlings.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in moist soil.
   Cover lightly and press gently. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

3. Soil:
   Prefers rich, well-drained, loamy soil with good organic matter.
   Ideal Gulf mix: 40% garden soil + 30% peat moss + 20% perlite + 10% compost.
   Avoid clay-heavy or saline soils.

4. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 18–22°C (64–72°F).

   • Requires full sun for strong stems and abundant flowering.

   • In the Gulf, full morning sun with light afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorching.

5. Germination Time:
   Seeds germinate in 10–20 days under warm, moist conditions.

6. Transplanting:

   • When seedlings are 10–15 cm tall, transplant carefully into garden beds or large pots.

   • Space plants 40–50 cm apart to allow full growth.

   • Handle seedlings gently; hollyhocks have delicate roots.

7. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Sunlight: Prefers full sun with some protection from afternoon heat.

   • Watering: Water regularly but moderately — keep soil evenly moist without soaking.

   • Feeding: Use a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to encourage tall, healthy blooms.

   • Support: Tall plants may need stakes or garden supports to prevent bending from wind.

   • Maintenance: Remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming and prevent disease.

   • The ‘Majorette Double Mix’ produces large, double blooms in shades of pink, red, yellow, and white, ideal for borders, walls, and cottage-style gardens.

   • Blooms from late winter through early summer in the Gulf.