Grow a garden filled with Black Hollyhock flowers, from freshly harvested Alcea rosea flower seeds. Black Hollyhock is a gorgeous, deep mahogany colored flower which blooms through the summer months. The plants stand to a towering height of roughly 60 inches tall, displaying several, almost black blooms along its erect stems. A perfect choice for cottage gardens, the Black Hollyhock can be seen on farms and in many home gardens. It is popularly used as a backdrop plant and can be planted along fences as well. For a gorgeous contrast, try planting Black Hollyhock in front of a white fence, or along the perimeter of your white house. These plants are known to attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees and hummingbirds as well.
Grown as a biennial flowering plant, Black Hollyhock will grow quickly, establishing a deep root system. The plants will then wilt on the surface due to the freezing temperatures of winter, later returning the following spring. Biennials such as this are known to flower the second year. You can however achieve blooms in the first growing season, if the plants are started early enough. Hollyhock plants are known to readily self seed, so they are often seen as a perennial flowering plant. The seeds can either be collected at the end of the season, when all of the blooms have dried out, or they can drop to the bare ground beneath.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Black / Dark Burgundy
- Height: Up to 60″ Tall
- Width: 12″ – 14″ Spread
- Season: Biennial
- Zones: All
- Environment: Full sun
Sowing The Seed
Hollyhock seeds are best started indoors, 8 to 10 weeks prior to the last frost. They should be started in peat pots, so that they can be directly transplanted later on. Peat pots will prevent root shock, allowing your plants to flourish when they are placed in the garden. Start by sowing the seeds at a depth of 1/4″ under topsoil. Transplant, or direct sow into the garden when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Hollyhock plants will enjoy an area of full sunlight for the majority of the day. Make sure that temperatures are at least 70F or higher. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. It will also need to be well drained as well. To increase your drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the soil daily so that the seeds receive plenty of moisture until germination has occurred.
Germination & Growth
Hollyhock seeds are known to germinate within roughly 10 to 25 days after sowing. The plants themselves will reach a mature height of 60 inches tall and can spread a good 12 to 14 inches wide. Spacing your Hollyhock plants about 18 to 24 inches apart is recommended. The plants are known to readily self seed, allowing you to keep them alive for years to come. They also look best as a backdrop plant due to their towering growth habit.