Hollyhock `Summer Carnival` Double mix

100 Seeds

Hollyhock 'Summer Carnival' Double Mix is a beautiful compact hollyhock variety that produces fully double, pom-pom-like flowers in a mix of vibrant colors including pink, rose, red, yellow, and white. It is shorter than traditional hollyhocks, making it suitable for flower beds, borders, containers, cottage gardens, and cut flowers. In the Gulf region, it performs best during the cooler 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 rich in organic matter.

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.
• Handle roots carefully during transplanting.

Temperature & Light

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

Watering

• Keep soil lightly moist during germination.
• Once established, water deeply when the top 3–5 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Avoid overwatering, especially in heavy or poorly drained soil.

Germination Time

• 10–21 days

Plant Spacing

• 40–50 cm between plants.
• 50–70 cm between rows.

Flowering

• Flowers usually appear 4–6 months after sowing.
• Remove faded blooms to encourage more flowers.
• Leave some flowers if you want the plant to produce seeds.

Fertilization

• Add compost before planting.
• Feed every 4–6 weeks with a balanced flowering fertilizer.
• During flower bud development, use fertilizer with higher potassium for stronger blooms.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which produces more leaves and fewer flowers.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow during the cooler months only.
• Plant in a location protected from strong summer heat.
• Water early in the morning.
• Apply mulch around the base to keep roots cool.
• Provide support if flower stems become tall or exposed to wind.
• Ensure good air circulation to reduce fungal problems.
• Monitor for aphids, spider mites, rust disease, and powdery mildew.
• 'Summer Carnival' Double Mix is excellent for garden borders, colorful flower displays, large pots, balconies, and landscape planting throughout the Gulf.