Hollyhocks, scientifically known as Alcea rosea, are a quintessential element of the cottage garden aesthetic, instantly recognizable by their towering flower spikes and large, vibrant blooms. These impressive plants can reach heights of up to nine feet, providing significant vertical interest against walls, fences, or at the back of a border. The species is generally characterized as a biennial, meaning it produces foliage in the first year and flowers in the second, though some varieties act as short-lived perennials, blooming sooner. Acquiring healthy plant material is the first step toward cultivating these stately flowers, which is possible through several distinct forms of purchase.
Available Forms for Purchase
The most economical and widely available method for starting these plants is by purchasing seeds, which are easily found both online and in physical stores. Seeds offer the broadest selection of unusual colors and specialized cultivars, allowing the gardener to explore a wide variety of single and double-flowered forms. The trade-off for this low cost is the time commitment, as seeds generally require a full year of growth before the plant produces its characteristic flower stalk.
Dormant bare roots or crowns, typically available in spring, offer a slightly more accelerated option. These fleshy roots may appear dried out, but soaking them in water for an hour or two before planting helps rejuvenate the material. Bare roots are generally more expensive than seeds but may be less susceptible to common diseases like rust in their early stages.
Container-grown plants, or transplants, offer the fastest establishment and easiest planting experience. These plants, sometimes sold as small plug plants, have an established root system and can be placed directly into the garden. Because hollyhocks develop a long taproot, using transplants minimizes the risk of transplant shock. This convenience comes at the highest price point, and the selection of varieties is often more limited than what is available through seed catalogs.
Sourcing Options and Vendor Selection
The choice of vendor significantly impacts the available selection, quality, and cost of hollyhock material. Local garden centers and independent nurseries are sources for container plants and common seed varieties, offering immediate gratification and local horticultural expertise. Staff at these locations can provide advice specific to the regional climate and soil conditions, helping ensure a successful start. However, these brick-and-mortar stores usually carry a smaller inventory, making it difficult to find less common heirloom or specialty cultivars.
Online specialty nurseries provide access to a vast, curated collection of seeds and sometimes bare roots or plugs that may not be locally available. These vendors often focus on specific breeding lines, making them the preferred source for gardeners seeking particular colors or double-flowered varieties. The primary challenge with online ordering is the potential for shipping stress on live plants, requiring the buyer to rely heavily on the vendor’s reputation for proper packaging and plant health guarantees.
Big box stores offer convenience and low prices, particularly for seeds and packaged bare roots in early spring. While attractive for budget-conscious buyers, quality control for live plants can be inconsistent, and bare roots are often packed with limited visibility, making inspection difficult. The varieties stocked are usually standard mixes, with little information provided on the specific cultivar or expected mature height.
Local seed exchanges and community swaps are a low-cost avenue for discovering unique, locally adapted varieties. This option is generally reserved for experienced gardeners, as the seeds often lack the guaranteed germination rates and freshness labeling provided by commercial seed packets. These informal sources offer high diversity but lack the quality assurance of commercial vendors.
Quality Checks and Optimal Planting Timing
Regardless of the source, successful establishment requires inspecting the material for health before planting and adhering to proper timing. For container plants, a visual inspection is necessary to ensure the foliage is free from spots or yellowing, which can be early indicators of disease. Hollyhock rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia malvacearum, is a common issue that first appears as lemon-yellow or orange pustules on the underside of the lowest leaves. Avoid purchasing plants showing signs of this fungal disease, as it spreads rapidly and stunts vigor.
When buying bare roots, the material should feel firm and fleshy, not mushy, which could indicate rot or mildew. Check the roots for signs of breakage or soft spots to ensure a healthy specimen. Seed viability is highest within two to four years of the packaging date; proper storage (cool, dark, and dry) is necessary to maintain it.
Optimal planting time varies significantly based on the form purchased and the gardener’s climate. Transplants and bare roots are best planted in early spring after the last frost or in the autumn, allowing the roots to establish before summer heat or winter cold. Seeds offer more flexibility and can be sown indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost, or direct-sown outdoors in late spring or late summer. Sowing seeds in late summer, about six weeks before the first frost, allows the plant to establish its foliage before winter and potentially bloom the following year.