Hollyhocks do have the tendency to spread in the garden. When the flowers bloom and produce seeds, they will naturally drop to the ground. These seeds can then germinate and grow into new plants, leading to the spread of hollyhocks in the garden.
To manage the spread of hollyhocks, it is important to give them adequate space when planting. Planting them about 12 to 18 inches apart will allow each plant to have enough room to grow and spread without overcrowding.
If you want to create a more full and lush hollyhock garden, you can consider allowing even more space for the plants to fill out. Allowing three to four feet of space between each plant will give them ample room to spread over time.
When you first plant hollyhocks, it is crucial to keep them well-watered to help them establish their root systems. Adequate watering will promote healthy growth and ensure that the plants can effectively take root in their new location.
In my personal experience, I have found that hollyhocks can be quite resilient and adaptable. They can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and are generally low-maintenance plants. However, they do benefit from regular watering and occasional fertilization to promote optimal growth and flowering.
It is worth noting that hollyhocks are typically grown as biennials or short-lived perennials. This means that they will typically flower in their second year of growth and then die off. However, as mentioned earlier, they can spread through self-seeding, allowing new plants to emerge and continue the hollyhock population in the garden.
To prevent the spread of hollyhocks, you can deadhead the flowers before they go to seed. This involves removing the spent flowers once they have finished blooming. By doing so, you can prevent the seeds from dropping and germinating in the garden.
While hollyhocks do have the potential to spread in the garden, they can be easily managed through proper spacing, regular watering, and deadheading. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the beauty of hollyhocks in your garden without worrying about them taking over the space.
