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Hollyhock - French
Seed Packet

Hollyhock - French

Malva sylvestris var. 'Zebrina'
Cousin to the classic biennial hollyhock we all know, the French hollyhock has pale pink saucer blooms with dimpled edges and striking violet tracery. The flowers bloom from the bottom to the top of the tall stems and are followed by round flattened seedpods that look like small cheese wheels–giving rise to another name, "cheese mallow." Easy to grow, they bloom from midsummer to frost.
SKU #S909
$3.25
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Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
102
Lifecycle
Perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
5,
6,
7,
8
Mature Size
3-4' h x 1' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Regular, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Mauve pink with darker veining
Features
Great Cut Flower
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/16"
Sprout Time:
7-14 days
Starting Indoors:
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Keep at 65-70°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Recommended. Direct sow 2-3 weeks before last frost.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Malva sylvestris or French hollyhock is a shrubby, large-leaved heirloom grown in cottage gardens of mixed annuals and perennials, where its large-petaled flowers and upright habit adds contrast. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions; however, it dislikes extreme heat. In southern gardens sow in fall for a beautiful spring show, elsewhere best grown as an annual. Self-sows.
Final Spacing:
1-1.5'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
1" a week
Soil pH:
Neutral is preferred.
Fertilizer:
Mix in a couple of inches of compost prior to planting and feed monthly or so with a water-soluble organic all-purpose fertilizer. Granular works too.
Diseases & Pests:
Sometimes affected by rust leaf spots that can be prevented by spraying with an organic fungicide.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Cut when several flowers on a stem are open.