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Hollyhock - Fig 'Happy Lights'
Seed Packet

Hollyhock - Fig 'Happy Lights'

Alcea ficifolia
The original species Alcea ficifolia or Antwerp Hollyhock, had yellow flowers and rust-resistant large lobed leaves. We offer a natural hybrid of this species with A. rosea in mixed colors, the large saucer-shaped flowers blooming along the tall stems in summer. The epitome of an old-fashioned flower, it looks best in informal settings, grown against old outbuildings and fences in masses—a biennial to short-lived perennial that often self-sows for another summer of bloom.
SKU #S002
$3.25
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
38
Lifecycle
Biennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10
Mature Size
6-8' h x 2' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Mix of red, pink, yellow, peach, and burgundy saucer-shaped flowers.
Features
Great Cut Flower
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface to 1/8". Press in lightly.
Sprout Time:
13-25 days after chill
Starting Indoors:
Sow indoors in pots about 6-8 weeks before planting out. Keep at 35-40°F for 10 days, then at 65-70°F. Provide moist conditions by placing a humidity dome over the containers until germination occurs.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow spring to summer for flowers the following year.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Fig hollyhock is a disease-resistant cottage garden favorite that blooms in a seemingly never-ending display as the large saucer-shaped flowers open in succession from the bottom up. They provide a strong vertical accent in gardens and look great supported by a picket fence or against a shed. In windy areas, stake the plants and space them well apart to increase air circulation and avoid rust disease. To encourage its perennial tendencies, cut back the plants after blooming, leaving a stalk to ripen seeds. Plant the hollyhock in areas where the soils are fertile and well-drained as it is not tolerant of saturated, wet soils, especially in winter. The plant readily self-sows.
Final Spacing:
2'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
1" a week. Drought tolerant once established due to its tap-rooted nature.
Soil pH:
Tolerates most pH levels
Fertilizer:
Incorporate a 1" layer of compost annually.
Diseases & Pests:
Avoid fungal rust problems by spacing plants properly and planting them in a location that receives good air flow. If hollyhock rust has ever been a problem spray with organic fungicide preventively throughout the season or plant in a new location. If slugs are troublesome to new seedlings sprinkle some diatomaceous earth or iron phosphate pellets on the ground around the plants.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when 1/3 of flowers are open.