Hollyhock advice please

[ancee]

Any tips or recommendations guys? I want to put a few all around the fences. Preferably I'd like whites yellows and pinks. Not sure if to go for single or double flowered. Are any varieties scented? Have you tried any that are disease resistant? Is it better to grow them from seed or buy some small plants? Think that's enough questions for now lol

[Bigmallly]

Are Hollyhocks not Biennial?

[ancee]

Ah no! How have I managed to post this twice?! I think they are biennial yes. I am clueless about them actually!

[veggiechicken]

Apparently, if you sow them early they may flower in the first year but the finest plants are produced when grown as biennials and - wait for it - strictly speaking they are perennials!
I haven't grow them ...........yet

[Mitzi]

They will flower in first year if sown early enough. Single or double is your personal preference; I prefer the singles, not so keen on the powder puffs. They are easy from seed. Only real problem is rust and that's mostly dependent on weather conditions. I haven't looked through any flower seed lists lately so I'm not sure what single colours are available but if you like white, yellow and pink then a mixture might be good.

[DannyK]

I'm with Mitzi. Go for singles. Hollyhocks self seed easily and you get some very pretty blends of colour from cross pollination.

[Nicos]

Well....I've only ever succeeded with self seeded or using adult plants!
My main problem has been slugs/snails so keep your eye out for the little blighters.
I think maybe I've over fussed with my seedlings- they seem to do best for me when neglected

Personally I absolutely adore these flowers

[Mitzi]

I had no problems growing from seed, both from a seed company and home-collected. This thread has made me want to try some this year; I don't have any in this garden.

[Nicos]

Yeh....I think I'll get a few more going too this year...if I can

[ancee]

Thank you all. I'm looking at seeds now. Far too many in packs though. Once I order some I'll send the rest to the seed swap so you can all hav e some

[roitelet]

I would describe Hollykocks as a short lived perennial. Best sown in late spring/early summer to flower the following year. I find the single ones are less susceptible to rust although they still get it. Remember they are very tall and need some sort of support.

[cheops]

I think like dahlias the single varieties unlike the doubles are great for the bees. Perhaps for the sake of the bees do grow some singles. X

[ancee]

I've order pink singles and white doubles. Can't remember the names but I'll put them on once they're here. Took everyone's advice they'll be up against the fence for support. Pinks singles for bees and whites doubles just coz they are gorgeous.

[DannyK]

Single with leaf cutter bee enhancements.