Hollyhocks- treat as biennial?

[Ethansmum]

Since Hazel got me hooked on these beauties (ta Hazel!!) I'm growing loads of seedlings and reading up on them. The general feeling is to pull them up after 2 years, because they suffer from rust. Does anyone else here grow them? What do you do? and lastly can rust be treated?

Thanks
Tracy

[Snadger]

Never heard that one before? They are a perennial and a dark purple one (almost black!) has been on my allotment plot for years. One of my fellow allotment holders has always admired it, so this year I said he could have it as I nead the space for something else!

PS Mines never had rust on it?

[Ethansmum]

Thats wonderful news Snadger- to be honest I've been reading US forums so I guess they treat plants differently to us.
I'll the kinda girl who can't dispose of thinned out seedlings, so to have to pull out hollyhocks would be the same. Oh, a black one-very nice I'm trying out Hazelonthehills mixed hollies as well as a raspberry one called creme de cassis. I'm hoping to havest loads of seeds for fellow grapes

[marialittlebzz]

I managed to get a few seedlings of this beauty but I read that they will probably flower in the second year... Patience

[Ethansmum]

Patience is not a word in my vocabulary Seriously though, I don't mind the wait as I'm sure it'll be worth it (as long as I can fight off the snails in the meantime

[Two_Sheds]

Hollyhocks are biennials or short-lived perennials. They are extremely prone to rust (mine always suffer) so best grown as annuals.
I grow the 'black' one: Alcea Rosea Nigra http://im.edirectory.co.uk/p/1634/i/alceanigra.jpg

[KayJay]

I have some pink hollyhocks, can't remember their names they have been there that long. I just leave them to get on with it, And they grow taller than the trellis (6ft) every year. Whats rust ?
Enjoy

[Two_Sheds]

Rust: http://www.which.co.uk/files/applica...445-109024.pdf
Roses get rust too: Google Image Result for http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/problem-solving/rose-rust/main.jpg
so do leeks: Google Image Result for http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles1100/images/leekrust.jpg

[Snadger]

Rust: http://www.which.co.uk/files/applica...445-109024.pdf
Roses get rust too: Google Image Result for http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/problem-solving/rose-rust/main.jpg
so do leeks: Google Image Result for http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles1100/images/leekrust.jpg

Ships and bridges get it also!

[flowerpot07]

sorry to butt in,can anyone give me any advice on sowing hollyhock seeds, i bought a packet of double apricot seeds from thompson and morgan but something has got spilt on the packet and i cant read the instuctions on when, how to sow, or after care ,growing on etc. Is it too late to sow these seeds now?

[Ethansmum]

I have the same seeds flowerpot

Sow seeds at 15-20c on the surface of a good free draining damp seed compost. Cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator until after germination 14-21 days (it was 72 hours for me!). do not exclude light.

Thanks for the tips ands links. Two sheds perhaps I could tempt you (and othe hollyhock fans) with a seed swap at the end of the season ??

[Two_Sheds]

I gave away Black Hollyhock seeds last autumn - will do so again this year if someone reminds me!

[Ethansmum]

LOL! I'll remind you I've got a little collection going here, creme de cassis, icicle white, peaches and dreams and appleblossom- but no black ones. I tell you seeds are so addictive!

[flowerpot07]

thanks for your advice, this is my first year growing anything from seed, and so far so good, will sow them tomoz, thankyou

[Ethansmum]

Flowerpot, in my (albeit limited) experience, hollyhocks and lupins are the easiest seeds to germinate. If you have trouble with them lmk then I'll send you some of mine