Mixed Double Flowered Hollyhock

10 Seeds

Hollyhock is a cool-season flowering plant. In the Gulf, it is best started during the cooler months and protected from extreme summer heat.

🌱 Best Sowing Time

• Gulf: September–November and January–February.
• Kuwait: October–November is the preferred sowing period.
• A second suitable period is January–February when temperatures are mild.
• Avoid outdoor sowing during June–August because of extreme heat.
• Ideal germination temperature: approximately 18–22°C.

🌿 How to Sow the Seeds

1. Use a light, fertile, well-drained seed-starting mix.
2. Moisten the growing medium before sowing.
3. Sow seeds approximately 0.5–1 cm deep.
4. Cover lightly with fine soil.
5. Water gently with a fine spray.
6. Keep the medium evenly moist but never waterlogged.
7. Place the seed tray in a bright location with mild temperatures.
8. Germination generally takes around 10–21 days.

🌱 Transplanting

• Hollyhock develops a long taproot, so avoid repeated transplanting.
• Transplant young seedlings when they have developed 2–3 sets of true leaves.
• Harden seedlings gradually before planting outdoors.
• Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart.
• Choose the final planting location carefully because established plants are best left undisturbed.

☀️ Growing & Care

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• In the Gulf, provide morning sun and afternoon shade during warmer periods.
• Soil: Deep, fertile, organic-rich, and very well drained.
• Watering: Water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry. Maintain consistent moisture during active growth and flowering.
• Avoid constantly wet soil.
• Fertilizer: Add compost before planting and use a balanced flowering fertilizer during active growth.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which may produce tall leafy growth with fewer flowers.

🌸 Flowering & Maintenance

• Seed-grown hollyhocks may flower approximately 6–12 months after sowing, depending on variety, sowing time, and growing conditions.
• Some plants may require a longer period before flowering.
• Because this is a mixed double-flowered selection, flower colors and exact flower forms may vary.
• Tall flower spikes may require staking or support, especially in windy locations.
• Remove faded flowers to improve appearance and encourage further flowering.
• Remove diseased foliage promptly and maintain good airflow.

🌡 Gulf Climate Tips

• In Kuwait, October–November is the preferred sowing period.
• Protect young plants from intense afternoon sun as temperatures rise.
• During warm periods, approximately 30–50% afternoon shade can help reduce heat stress.
• Avoid locations exposed to reflected heat from walls and paving.
• Water preferably in the early morning.
• Good drainage is essential, particularly during humid weather.
• Container-grown plants can be moved to a cooler, partially shaded location during extreme heat.

Tip: Because hollyhock has a long taproot, sowing directly into the final garden position—or using deep seedling containers—is preferable to frequent transplanting.