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Alcea rosea

 
Alcea rosea
hollyhock
Alcea rosea

Common name hollyhock
Family malvaceae
Life cycle biennial/perennial
Flowers mixed pastels
Size to 6 ft
Light full sun- part shade
Cultural notes average garden soil
From seed Self-seeds in our garden. To start indoors, dehusk, scarify, and germinate at room temperature.
detailed seed-starting info below

We love this traditional cottage garden plant, with multiple blooms along the tall stalks. All of ours are descended from a single seed mix (I think it was 'Romantic colors' or something like that), and they pop up in many places in our garden. The one place where we really allow them to grow is the back yard island hill, which turns into a hollyhock forest by early summer.
Plants forms a strong taproot, and are difficult to transplant. Although they are usually considered biennial, we've noticed that many of ours stay with us for more than two seasons.

This plant used to grow in our garden, but it slipped away...

One or more images of this plant are included in my stock photo catalog

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Seed-starting details for this plant

  1. Seed for 'Watchman' from '12 gardener gift. Most husks are empty; opened up many to find just a few kidney-shaped seeds. Sandpapered, baggy 70F (100%G, 4-14d)
  2. Same seed as above. Sandpapered, baggy 70F (80%G, 4d)


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