Alcea rosea Seeds | Double Hollyhock
LATIN NAME: Alcea rosea
COMMON NAME: Double Hollyhock, Hollyhock
Plant Profile
Alcea rosea, better known as Double Hollyhock, is a tall, stately, upright biennial in the mallow family, native to warm regions of western Asia and eastern Europe, while it is grown as a loved plant of the garden. At maturity it stands about Two metres. Not many plants ask so little and repay so much.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the mallow family, Alcea rosea is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Hollyhock has a real and distinguished place in the research. Raising it from seed today is a matter of ordinary good practice rather than specialist skill.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Double Hollyhock for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Ecologically, hollyhock is a generous plant of the garden. Its large, double, ruffled flowers feed bees and many insects, and its tall, upright spikes give a fine, vertical presence to border and cottage garden. For a grower, hollyhock is an easy and rewarding biennial, and for a gardener it brings a tall, upright spike of large, double flowers to the border. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
Hollyhock flowers yield soothing mucilage much like their marshmallow relatives, and the deep-colored petals have served as a gentle tea for dry throats as well as a natural dye.
Growing from Seed
Starting Double Hollyhock from seed is simple and satisfying. A simple routine works well: sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, maintain even moisture, and provide bright light. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Given the right start, Double Hollyhock, Hollyhock is a long-term garden companion. Plant it in sun with drainage to its liking and the rest is easy.
Related Reading
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