Growing Summer Carnival Mix Hollyhock Garden Seeds

Hollyhock generally grows so hardy and vigorously that there is little reason to start seeds indoors. Sow directly after final frost in a sunny spot at the north end of the garden and shelter from strong winds. However, for earliest blooming, start Summer Carnival Mix seeds indoors 10-12 weeks prior. Hollyhock seeds can be slow to germinate and may take 21-28 days with full lighting. Early plants may need staking in addition to wind protection. Plants will easily reseed and stick around year after year. Plant 2-3 Summer Carnival Mix hollyhock seeds ¼ inch deep and 12-18 inches apart in average, medium moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Hollyhock is drought tolerant but avoid overhead watering to minimize wetting foliage as Summer Carnival Mix is susceptible to molds, mildews, rust, leaf spots, and rot if not properly ventilated. No serious pests but monitor regularly for spider mites and Japanese beetles. Hollyhock seeds mature in 112-119 days as 48-72 inch tall uprights with a 12-24 inch wide spread of enormous 4 inch double and semi-double ruffled blooms in shades of yellow, salmon, red, rose, orange, and white. Plants will vigorously reseed themselves and stick around in the garden for as long as you'll have them around.

Alcea rosea, or most commonly known as Common Hollyhock, is native to many temperate expanses in Asia and Europe. In Japan, hollyhock is called aoi and has been an important symbol in Japanese history and culture. It was incorporated as the official seal of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the flower still holds an important place in modern Japanese culture. During the Victorian era, the hollyhock symbolized both "ambition" and "fecundity" in the famous Language of Flowers.