Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are a classic garden plant, recognized for their towering flower stalks that lend a cottage aesthetic to any space. They are prolific self-seeders, leading to numerous small sprouts popping up in unexpected places. Identifying these young seedlings can be challenging among the countless other small plants, or “volunteers,” that emerge in a busy garden bed. Knowing the specific characteristics of an emerging hollyhock is necessary for managing your garden, allowing you to decide which sprouts to keep and which to remove.
The Initial Sprout: Cotyledon Appearance
The very first leaves that emerge from a hollyhock seed are the cotyledons, which are distinct from the true leaves that follow. Hollyhock cotyledons are typically small, measuring about half an inch to one inch in length, and exhibit a pale green color. Their shape is rounded, oval, or sometimes slightly kidney-shaped, lacking the complex lobing seen later. These embryonic leaves have a smooth surface and are temporary. Because cotyledons are fairly generic, relying on them for definitive identification of a hollyhock seedling is not recommended.
Developing Characteristics: The First True Leaves
The first set of true leaves appears above the initial cotyledons and is the first reliable indicator for identifying Alcea rosea. These leaves display the characteristics of the mature plant. The shape is distinctly lobed, often resembling a heart or a maple leaf with defined scallops or rounded divisions. A defining feature is their texture; they are notably rough, fuzzy, or velvety to the touch, a key trait of plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae). The true leaves are darker green than the cotyledons and grow in a tight cluster close to the ground, forming a low basal rosette during the plant’s first year.
Identifying Hollyhocks vs. Common Garden Volunteers
Distinguishing a hollyhock seedling from other common garden sprouts requires close attention to the texture and the precise shape of the true leaves. Hollyhocks belong to the Malvaceae family, which also includes common weeds like mallow (Malva species), leading to frequent misidentification. The specific degree of hairiness is a major differentiating factor, as hollyhock seedlings are notably velvety due to a dense layer of fine hairs. Common mallow, sometimes called cheeseweed, also has lobed, rounded leaves, but they tend to be smaller and can appear more wrinkled or puckered.
Crucially, common mallow seedlings often lack the dense, soft fuzz that characterizes the young hollyhock leaves. Hollyhock stems are typically stouter and more rigid even at a young age, preparing for the tall spire they will become. A practical clue is the location of the seedling, as hollyhocks tend to sprout near where a mature plant flowered the previous year. Mallow, conversely, is a persistent weed that can appear anywhere.