Hollyhocks - plant now or later?

[Palmers-patch]

In about July I grew some hollyhocks from some seeds I was given years ago. I was amazed that they germinated and are now in individual pots in my greenhouse and are all about 10” tall with many leaves. Should I plant them out into the garden now or should I keep them watered in the greenhouse and plant them out in the spring? They are going to be a lovely dark purple colour so i don’t want to lose them now. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[Bigmallly]

Hollyhocks can be planted out a couple of weeks after the last frost. If I'm not mistaken, I think they are biennial meaning they will grow the first year but not flower, the second year they will flower then die. They should however drop seeds but again, they will grow the first year & flower the second. Ideally you need one that's in its 1st year & one that's in its 2nd year to have succession flowers......Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Martin H]

It sounds like they are big enough to flower next summer.

They are hardy so if you can keep the slugs off they will come to no harm if you plant them out now. Alternatively, keep them in the cold greenhouse or cold frame for the winter then harden them off and plant out April -ish.

Personally I would plant them out now, they seem happiest if they can get their roots down deep.

[Palmers-patch]

Thank you

Thank you for that advice, I have decided to plant half of them in the garden , keep 2 in the green house for next spring planting and perhaps put 2 in a container. Cross fingers I have some blooms next year!