Hollyhocks Growing Guide
Hollyhocks is a great next step in your growing journey. Follow this guide from planting to harvest and you'll do great.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Moderate
Category
Flower
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Growing Zones
Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Plant Family
Malvaceae
Growing Season
Warm Season
Plant Lifecycle
Biennial
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
30 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
60 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Hollyhocks?
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Your Hollyhocks Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Hollyhocks's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 1
Prepare Your Space
0.5 cm
Seeding Depth
45 cm
Plant Spacing
60 cm
Row Spacing
1
Plants / Sq Ft
Vertical Growing
Yes – Trellis.
Method: Trellis.
Succession Planting
No.
Good Companions
Bad Companions
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 10–14 days
Growing Tips
- 1Plant hollyhocks in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- 2Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter, and water them regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- 3Space the plants about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow good air circulation, which helps prevent rust and other fungal diseases.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~120
Days to Maturity
200 cm
Mature Height
61 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
45 days
When to Pick
Cut blooms when fully open
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest hollyhocks when the flowers are fully open and vibrant.
- 2Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the flower stalks at the base, leaving some foliage to ensure the plant's health.
- 3Avoid pulling the stalks to prevent damage to the roots and surrounding growth.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your Hollyhocks is easy and rewarding, even for new growers! Once the flowers have faded and the seed pods turn brown and dry on the stalk, simply snip them off and gently break open the pods to collect the round, flat seeds inside. Let the seeds dry for a few days in a cool, airy spot, then store them in a paper envelope or a small jar, labeled with the date and variety. Keep your seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant next season—this simple step ensures you’ll have beautiful Hollyhocks year after year, and you’ll feel proud knowing you grew them from your very own saved seeds!
Seed Production
