San Jose hollyhocks (Alcea rosea 'San Jose') are a variety of hollyhock that produces these stunning, tall spikes of large saucer-shaped pink hibiscus-looking flowers. They are visited by hummingbirds, look great in cottage gardens, along borders, and in cut flower arrangements.
My Cuban abuela who lives in Miami gave me seeds from her beautiful plant, and when I moved to California I started planting them every year. Now they give me seeds, and I simply must share them with YOU!
I give you a nice amount to plant a ton of these beauties. 1 full tablespoon of seeds. Go nuts!
Growing Instructions for Seeds:
1. Sow seeds directly in the ground in late spring or early summer, after the last frost.
2. Choose a location with full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) and well-draining soil. (I will say I HAVE successfully grown them in part shade as well).
3. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart.
4. Water gently but thoroughly.
5. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season.
6. Once established, hollyhocks are drought-tolerant, but will perform best with regular watering. They visibly tell you when they’re thirsty. I like that.
7. Fertilize lightly in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. (I never do this).
8. Stake tall plants to prevent them from toppling over in the wind. (I just plant them with other tall flowers like Feverfew, Zinnias, Catnip, and California Poppy) so they all keep each other up).
9. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooming.
10. Allow seed pods to form and dry for self-sowing. Keep the cycle alive!
By following these growing instructions, you should be able to successfully grow San Jose hollyhocks from seed and enjoy their beautiful blooms in your garden!
San Jose hollyhocks (Alcea rosea 'San Jose') are a variety of hollyhock that produces these stunning, tall spikes of large saucer-shaped pink hibiscus-looking flowers. They are visited by hummingbirds, look great in cottage gardens, along borders, and in cut flower arrangements.
My Cuban abuela who lives in Miami gave me seeds from her beautiful plant, and when I moved to California I started planting them every year. Now they give me seeds, and I simply must share them with YOU!
I give you a nice amount to plant a ton of these beauties. 1 full tablespoon of seeds. Go nuts!
Growing Instructions for Seeds:
1. Sow seeds directly in the ground in late spring or early summer, after the last frost.
2. Choose a location with full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) and well-draining soil. (I will say I HAVE successfully grown them in part shade as well).
3. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart.
4. Water gently but thoroughly.
5. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season.
6. Once established, hollyhocks are drought-tolerant, but will perform best with regular watering. They visibly tell you when they’re thirsty. I like that.
7. Fertilize lightly in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. (I never do this).
8. Stake tall plants to prevent them from toppling over in the wind. (I just plant them with other tall flowers like Feverfew, Zinnias, Catnip, and California Poppy) so they all keep each other up).
9. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooming.
10. Allow seed pods to form and dry for self-sowing. Keep the cycle alive!
By following these growing instructions, you should be able to successfully grow San Jose hollyhocks from seed and enjoy their beautiful blooms in your garden!
