Tips On Hollyhocks: Growing Hollyhocks Successfully – When you think of hollyhocks, the first thing that probably pops into your head is an image of a rambling variety of blooms on tall spindly stalks. Well, this certainly may be true for some varieties but there are shorter types which you can grow just as successfully in your garden – and these look just as lovely.
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Hollyhock History
Hollyhocks originated from Egypt and Persia where they were bred using holly trees (hence its name). The Romans then took cuttings with them to Europe where it went on to be grown extensively throughout the continent up until the 16th Century. It was introduced to America by European settlers who grew them for both animal feed and decorative purposes.
Hollyhocks are herbaceous perennials which will die down in winter and grow back up again the following spring. They can survive cold temperatures but not frost so if you live somewhere where there is a risk of your plants being frozen, lift them out of the ground or store some tubers on top of the soil to keep them go.
How to Plant Hollyhocks
When it comes to planting your hollyhocks, you can either directly sow the seeds or start them off in pots before transferring them to their permanent position. If you decide on the latter option, ensure that the soil has been well worked and enriched beforehand. Sow the seeds around 6mm deep with 30cm between each plant.
Hollyhock Care
Hollyhocks will grow in any type of soil from light sandy loams to heavy clays – but they will respond better if you add a good amount of organic matter when establishing them in both places. Once planted, water regularly until your plants are established which should take between three and four weeks.
If you want to give your hollyhocks a helping hand and promote growth and flowering, you can either side dress your plants with well rotted manure or plant a few radishes nearby. When the radishes grow, pull them up and leave them to rot down near your plants which will provide them with an extra nutrient boost.
When it comes to feeding, hollyhocks will benefit from monthly doses of specialist garden fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone during the growing season – particularly if you want to increase their height.
Hollyhock Pests and Diseases
One of the main problems you may face when growing hollyhocks is that they attract aphids (greenfly and blackfly). If this happens, simply rub off the affected parts using a cotton bud dipped in methylated spirit or spray with an all purpose plant-based insecticide.
Hollyhocks are also vulnerable to stem borers (caterpillars) which can destroy your plants if they are not spotted quickly enough. Although you can purchase pesticides to kill these caterpillars, the easiest way of overcoming this pest is by removing any affected parts and destroying them.
When faced with botrytis (greyish mold), remove the affected leaves and stems using a sharp pair of secateurs – but be careful as it is quite easy to spread. Likewise, hollyhocks may be attacked by powdery mildew so keep the conditions as dry as possible by watering early in the morning or late evening instead of during the day. As always, a good idea is to invest in a polythene cover which you can throw over your plants when frosty weather sets in.
As well as looking lovely growing along the side of your driveway or occupying an empty corner of your garden, hollyhocks are also perfect for growing indoors. In fact, the stems will continue to grow even if you force them into flower so they can be used as cut flowers too – just remember to pick them before the first seeds have formed! Hollyhocks have been known to reach heights of between four and six feet tall but if you want shorter varieties, try Barbara Karst’s EverbloomTM Series which only grows up two feet high. If all this talk has made you want to plant some hollyhocks, then why not check out our EverbloomTM Series?
Hollyhock plants have been widely used as a garden flower for centuries. In fact, Thomas Jefferson grew them in his home at Monticello. There are two types of hollyhock plants: tall and short plants. To learn more about caring for both varieties, read on!
In the past, the flowers were used to make teas which people drank because they believed it would help treat liver disease and fever. The leaves were often cooked and eaten like spinach too. Today, some people still enjoy eating hollyhock greens rather than buying bagged salads from the grocery store. However, it is important that you don’t eat any portion of the plant when it has been treated with pesticides.
Aside from being a healthy food source, hollyhock plants also have an attractive appearance. They can easily brighten up your garden and add color to any area that needs a lift. Growing tall varieties can improve the overall look of your backyard by adding some height to an otherwise dull landscape design. Plus, they are perfect for adding a pop of color to any solid-colored home exterior such as brick or stucco siding!
By planting just one or two tall hollyhocks in your yard, you will instantly make it more colorful and visually appealing. However, if your goal is to increase the amount of flowers blooming throughout your yard, then consider growing several hollyhocks. This plant is known for its prolific blooms, which means it can provide you with a whole lot of flowers.
If given proper care and attention, hollyhock plants will continue to grow each year. They need at least six hours of sunlight each day. Plus, you should ensure that the soil beneath them is moist by watering once or twice per week depending on your climate. You may also want to fertilize them every two weeks using a general purpose fertilizer during the growing season – particularly if you want to increase their height .
Once they have formed buds, it is important that you don’t water the area surrounding the hollyhock plant too much as this could result in rotten roots and mold growth on the soil surface. If you live in an area which is prone to frosty winters, make sure that you protect your hollyhocks from the cold weather by covering them with a polythene bag and keep them in a location where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day or artificial light if required.
If you want to increase the number of flowers blooming throughout your yard, then consider growing several hollyhocks. This plant is known for its prolific blooms , which means it can provide you with a whole lot of flowers on your property! If given proper care and attention, hollyhocks will continue to grow each year. They need at least six hours of sunlight each day.
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How to Grow Hollyhocks
Containers
If you want to grow hollyhocks in a container, then you need to use a very large pot. This is because the plant will eventually have long stalks that are at least five feet tall. If you’re starting these flowers from seeds, then choose smaller containers that are 16 inches wide or larger. You also need to know that the soil must drain well or else it will cause root rot. You can create your own mixture using one part all-purpose potting soil and one part perlite for drainage purposes if desired . Also place gravel at the bottom of the pots so there’s less water drainage .
To prevent overcrowding, you should only sow two or three seeds in each pot or flat once they have germinated . Keep in mind that you need to cover them with a thin layer of soil when sowing in order to prevent “damping-off” disease. However, if your seeds become overcrowded, then they will never grow into healthy plants and may result in stunted growth.
When your seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, you should start pinching back the stem tips using your fingernails or garden clippers so that you don’t damage it. You can also pour water over the top of the plant so dirt washes away. This will give you a clean area where you can pinch off bits of foliage without harming the main plant body and stems . If desired, you could try removing all but one plant to create a hollyhock monoculture.
When your seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, start pinching back the stem tips using your fingernails or garden clippers so that you don’t damage it . You can also pour water over the top of the plant so dirt washes away. This will give you a clean area where you can pinch off bits of foliage without harming the main plant body and stems . If desired, you could try removing all but one plant to create a hollyhock monoculture. How to Grow Hollyhocks from Seeds
Start by sowing seeds indoors (in January) in moist, rich soil about three inches apart and at least six inches deep . Keep them moist until they’ve germinated, which could take between ten days to three weeks . Make sure the soil is not too moist or it might cause mold.
Water hollyhocks with about one cup of water per plant, once a week during their growing period. Keep them in an area where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day or artificial light if required. You may want to consider using a diluted all-purpose fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season – particularly if you want your hollyhocks to have beautiful pink flowers . Hollyhocks are tough plants that can be grown easily even by beginners. They also require minimal care and low maintenance.
Tips on Hollyhocks and Their Problems
If you water them during the summer, they will grow more flowers.
Hollyhocks are known for their vibrant colors but sometimes problems can happen with these plants. For instance, powdery mildew is a common problem that happens when the plant has too much moisture on its leaves and it becomes hard to control . You may want to consider adding in some baking soda while watering your plants. If this doesn’t work, then you may need to consider applying neem oil at least two or three times.
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Slugs like eating hollyhock plants so make sure that you check under the leaves for any slimy trails they leave behind . One of the most interesting facts about hollyhocks is how they act as magnets for butterflies and bees. When you see holes in the leaves, it may be that snails and slugs are eating your plants so you should remove them as soon as possible .
Hollyhocks grow to varying heights and sizes depending on the different types and species of hollyhock plants. For instance, one “Old Fashioned” type can easily grow to a height of four or five feet tall while others can reach up to eight feet or taller , depending on light exposure and soil conditions. The blooms will often times cover these tall stalks as well as their lower counterparts.
One interesting fact is how they act as magnets for butterflies and bees . When you see holes in the leaves, it may be that snails and slugs are eating your plants so you should remove them as soon as possible .
Hollyhocks grow to varying heights and sizes depending on the different types and species of hollyhock plants. For instance, one “Old Fashioned” type can easily grow to a height of four or five feet tall while others can reach up to eight feet or taller , depending on light exposure and soil conditions. The blooms will often times cover these tall stalks as well as their lower counterparts .
Slugs like eating hollyhock plants so make sure that you check under the leaves for any slimy trails they leave behind . One of the most interesting facts about hollyhocks is how they act as magnets for butterflies and bees.
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