Seeds Flowers - 5 g

The Common Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is a cottage-garden classic prized for its sheer presence. This erect, herbaceous plant sends up tall flower spikes lined with large, funnel-shaped, clustered blooms in a cheerful mix of colours. Mature spikes climb to roughly 1.8–2.4 m and spread 0.3–0.6 m wide, making it an unbeatable choice for the back of a border, along a sunny wall, or as a living screen. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial, usually forming a leaf rosette in its first year and flowering the next.

Planting

In Egypt, sow in autumn (September–October) when soil and air sit around 18–28°C, the ideal range for germination; in hotter Upper Egypt sow slightly later (October–November). Soaking the tough-coated seeds in warm water first improves results. Sow on the surface or barely cover at about 6 mm, since the seeds need light to germinate. At 16–21°C seedlings emerge in roughly 10–14 days. Space plants about 60 cm apart for airflow.

Fertilizing

In fertile soil no extra feeding is essential. Work well-rotted compost into the bed before planting, as the plant favours loams rich in organic matter, then apply a 10 cm mulch of garden compost after planting to enrich the soil.

Care

Grow in full sun (6+ hours) to light shade, sheltered from strong winds. Keep young plants consistently moist in the top 15 cm; established plants need water mainly during dry spells. Always water at the base, not the foliage. Stake tall stems in windy sites. The main threat is hollyhock rust — space generously, water low, and remove infected leaves promptly.