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Hollyhock 'Nigra'
Hollyhock 'Nigra'
Seed Packet

Hollyhock 'Nigra'

Alcea rosea
Glowing saucers of deep maroon—a color closest to black of any flower—look lovely paired with red hollyhocks or sunset hibiscus. An antique variety that was grown by Jefferson at Monticello and a favorite ever since, they thrive in rich soils in sun. For best results, stake when growing in organic soils and cut back after bloom, leaving a stalk of "cheese wheel" seed capsules to supply new babies for blooms the following year.
SKU #S128
$3.50
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
39
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
Deepest maroon 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
Hollyhock 'Nigra' is a cottage garden favorite that blooms in a seemingly never-ending display, for the large saucer-shaped flowers open in succession from the bottom up. Providing a strong vertical accent in gardens, they look great supported by a picket fence or against a shed. Stake if growing in windy areas and space well apart to increase air circulation and avoid disease. Encourage its perennial tendencies by cutting back after bloom, leaving a stalk to self sow, and by planting in areas where the soils are fertile and very well-drained. Not tolerant of saturated wet soils, especially in winter.
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.