How to Plant Hollyhock Seeds? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Growing Methods
Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is a biennial upright herbaceous plant of the genus Alcea in the Malvaceae family. It is usually propagated by sowing seeds, and can also be propagated by division and cuttings. Division is carried out in spring, and the cutting method is used only for propagating certain superior varieties. [4] In production, seed propagation is mostly used. In North China, spring sowing is the main method. Now let us take a look at how to plant hollyhock seeds!
The Growth Habits of Hollyhock
Hollyhock is widely distributed in China, found in East China, Central China, North China and South China, and is widely cultivated around the world. It likes plenty of sunlight and tolerates partial shade, but dislikes waterlogging. It has a strong tolerance for saline-alkali conditions and can still grow in soil with a salt content of 0.6%. It is cold-resistant and can safely overwinter in the open ground in North China. It grows well in loose, fertile, well-drained sandy soil rich in organic matter.
How to Plant Hollyhock Seeds?
Hollyhock can be sown in either spring or autumn. Depending on how many hollyhock seeds you have, you can sow them in an open-ground seedbed and then raise seedlings for transplanting, or you can sow them directly in the open ground without transplanting. In the south, autumn sowing is often used, usually in September in an open-ground seedbed, where germination is uniform. In the north, spring sowing is often the main method. Hollyhock seeds can be sown as soon as they mature; under normal conditions, the seeds germinate in about 7 days. The germination capacity of hollyhock seeds can be maintained for 4 years, but seedlings show signs of declining growth after 2 to 3 years. With direct sowing in the open ground, if combined appropriately with transplanting on rainy days, you can both thin out the seedlings and plant flowers once for many years of enjoyment.
How to Grow Hollyhock
1. Watering: When hollyhock seedlings grow 2 to 3 true leaves, they should be transplanted once, with the row and plant spacing increased, and watered promptly after transplanting. During the flowering period, water appropriately to encourage a long flowering period and good blooms, continuing all the way to the top of the stem.
2. Fertilizing: During the seedling growth period, pay attention to fertilizing, weeding and loosening the soil so that the plants grow strong. After flower buds form in the leaf axils, apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and trim off a few leaves from the base.
3. Root cutting: When growing hollyhock, to keep the plant low and prevent lodging, in June you can cut the roots around the plant in a cone shape with a spade, cutting the roots once every 2 to 3 weeks, then water immediately for care.
4. Harvesting: Hollyhock fruits should be harvested immediately when they turn yellow and ripe, so that the seeds do not scatter. After the flowering period ends, the above-ground part of the plant can be cut off, and once new shoots sprout, a clustered plant can form. Hollyhock tends to age, so it should be renewed after 2 to 3 years of cultivation.