Hollyhock, Pastels (Alcea rosea), packet of 20 seeds, organic

Family: Mallow (Malvaceae)

Hardy to Zones 5 to 9

Herbaceous perennial native to China, flowering from 5 to 7 feet tall. “Pastels” will give a mix of bright, light colors as pictured–pinks, pale yellow, reds and really all colors in-between.  A small story.  There is a local organic farmer who has a spread that is quite view-able from the highway.  I always check them out as I drive by to town.  They have a lovely farmhouse, a herd of rampant goats, greenhouses, long rows of kales and other greens, a corn patch, etc.  They also have a large barn with the words “Water for Life” graffiti’d all over the side of it, in very bright colors.  What I find astounding is that a single hollyhock that volunteered toward the front of one of their vegetable rows catches the eye and upstages. . . everything!  Direct seed in spring, or start indoors in pots and transplant out after frost. Place seed on the seedbed, cover with 1/4 inch of soil, tamp securely and keep warm and evenly moist until germination.  Plant prefers sun to part shade and mesic soils.  Root restriction is relished–they seem to do best when growing up next to a rock or in poor soil next to a curb.  They usually do not flower until the second year. Plant 1 to 2 feet apart.

20 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown