Growing Hollyhock from seed -beginner.

Hi everyone, I got some hollyhock seeds & would like some advice on getting them to germinate/grow sucessfully. I read somewhere that they can be difficult to start!? The information I got with the seeds says that they can be planted mid summer and overwintered in a coldframe, would they be ok in my greenhouse? Any advice is very welcome.

PS is it true that the plants can be toxic to dogs?

I'm a complete beginner so sorry for all the questions :cnfs:

 

I grew some seed this spring, and have plenty of plants in 2L pots (to plant out this Autumn).

They will be fine in an unheated greenhouse over winter - just don't let it get too warm - make sure it has air on days when the sun comes out. If it gets warm the plants will think it is Spring and start growing [too early]

 

I've never had a problem them started.. but maybe try some now, and save some til the spring!

 

ive never had a problem growing hollyhock from seed, i made a sowing in my greenhouse about a month ago, with great results,ive just planted them on in 3" pots, hope this helps

 

ive never had a problem either. This years seeds have been put out already.Last years seeds flowering away.

Good luck

 

Thanks for the replies everyone! I read somewhere that they were difficult to start but it's good to hear that they aren't. I sowed about 30 yesterday on the surface of compost and sealed them in polythene bags. I really hope they work out, I spotted them in an old victorian cottage garden book & thought they looked fantastic, I love tall flowers :D

Cymro - are you going to keep them in the greenhouse from now until you plant them outside?

 

I wouldn't put them in polythene, just cover with a wee bit of compost and leave somewhere bright but not too sunny. keep them moist.. but not drowned.... they'll be up in no time!

 

Thanks Quercus, the info I got with the seeds mentioned the polythene bags but I'd prefer if they got more air so I'll follow your advice.

 

About 8-10 have germinated already! :D

 

They are one of the easier to start. good luck to you.

 

I was just wondering if hollyhocks will not flower until the second year of growth? I read that they may only have leaves in the first season. Thanks

 

If you start them now, they will flower next year.... if you sow them in Spring, they will spend the first year bulking up... and flower properly the year after

 

That's great :D How late could I sow some and still expect them to flower next year? Is August the last month? I'd love to have a few of a single flowering variety as well as this chaters variety which I think produce double flowers. Also - is there anyone who could recommend any other flowers aside from hollyhocks which are suited to this kind of sowing in late summer & overwintering in the greenhouse? It would be nice to not have to sow all of my seeds in spring - to have some little plants already established.

 

I hope you find the link below useful regarding poisonous plants and dogs.

http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/information/atozofdogs/p/poisonoussubstances/poisonousplants/