How to Grow Hollyhock
Get Your Exact Hollyhock Planting Dates
Enter your ZIP, city, state, or zone for a personalized planting calendar.
Your Hollyhock dates ·
See your dates →Ready to grow Hollyhock?
Order seeds or buy established plants.
* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Supplies You'll Need
* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun (6-8 hours)
Water
Moderate (1 inch/week)
Spacing
18" apart
Depth
0.25" deep
Height
4-8 ft
Germination
10-14 days
Ready to Grow Hollyhock?
Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.
* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Good Companions
Full Companion Planting Guide for Hollyhock
See which plants help Hollyhock thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →
Seed Saving Guide
EasyWhen to Harvest Seed
Allow seed pods (disc-shaped) to dry on the stalk after petals drop. Harvest when brown and papery.
Processing
Remove seeds from papery rings, spread to dry 1 week before storing.
Seed Viability
Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Hollyhocks cross freely with other hollyhock varieties. Expect some color variation in seed-grown plants.
Seed Storage Supplies
* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Hollyhock. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Hollyhock Planting Calendar by Zone
Hollyhock Planting Calendar by State
Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hollyhock? +
Start Hollyhock seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.
How long does Hollyhock take to grow? +
Hollyhock typically blooms in about 365 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Hollyhock indoors or direct sow? +
Hollyhock should be started indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.
How much sun does Hollyhock need? +
Hollyhock requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Hollyhock? +
Space Hollyhock plants 18 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Hollyhock need? +
Hollyhock has moderate (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Hollyhock? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Hollyhock is rated easy. Allow seed pods (disc-shaped) to dry on the stalk after petals drop. Harvest when brown and papery. Remove seeds from papery rings, spread to dry 1 week before storing.
How long do Hollyhock seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Hollyhock seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Hollyhock seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Hollyhock is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Hollyhock
Stately cottage garden biennial with tall spikes of bowl-shaped blooms. Self-seeds freely. Edible flowers used as a garnish. Hummingbird and butterfly magnet.
Expect your Hollyhock to be ready for harvest in approximately 365 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.