Hollyhock: Alcea rosea Alcea rosea was brought to Europe from China during or possibly even before the 16th century. John Custis of Williamsburg, Virginia received "hollihock" seeds from England in 1735. Hollyhock is a biennial and grows 5-8' tall and 1-2' wide. Plants need full sun and produce large, white, pink, red or dark purple flowers. When sown in early spring, it may flower during its first year. Hollyhocks frequently self-sow and are a wonderful accent at the back of a flower bed. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside or direct sow into the garden in the early summer. Cover seeds with 1/4" of soil and keep the soil moist but not wet. Seeds germinate in 10-14 days at soil temperatures between 60-70°F. USDA Zones 2 to 10.
