Hollyhocks are often mistaken for perennials because they come back year after year, but they are actually biennials. This means that their life cycle spans two years. In the first year, hollyhocks grow vegetatively, producing leaves and establishing a strong root system. They do not typically bloom during their first year of growth.
During the second year, hollyhocks focus their energy on producing flowers and seeds. This is when they display their beautiful and colorful blooms. After the flowering period, hollyhocks produce numerous seeds, which can be dispersed by wind or other means. These seeds have the ability to self-seed, meaning they can fall to the ground and germinate without human intervention.
Although hollyhocks are technically biennials, they often behave like perennials in the garden because they readily self-seed. This means that once you have established hollyhocks in your garden, you can expect them to come back year after year without the need to replant them manually. The self-seeding nature of hollyhocks can lead to a continuous presence of these beautiful flowers in your garden, as long as the conditions are favorable for germination and growth.
To ensure a continuous supply of hollyhocks in your garden, it is recommended to start new plants in late summer or early fall, around August or September. This timing allows the young plants to establish themselves before winter sets in, and they will be ready to bloom the following summer. Starting hollyhocks from seeds during this period also mimics their natural life cycle, as they would naturally drop seeds in autumn for germination in the next growing season.
When starting hollyhocks from seeds, it is important to provide them with a suitable growing environment. They prefer full sun or light shade and well-draining soil. Before sowing the seeds, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and loosening it to a depth of about 6 inches. Sow the seeds thinly and cover them with a thin layer of soil or compost. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 10 to 14 days.
Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out to allow proper spacing between plants. This will ensure that each hollyhock has enough room to grow and develop a strong root system. Provide regular water and monitor for any pests or diseases. Hollyhocks are generally quite hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions, but they may benefit from staking or support as they grow taller.
Hollyhocks are technically biennials, but their self-seeding nature often makes them behave like perennials in the garden. By starting new plants in late summer or early fall and allowing them to establish before winter, you can enjoy a continuous display of hollyhock blooms in your garden year after year.
