Hollyhocks refusing to grow up?

I have some hollyhocks which look healthy but seem to be permanent adolescents. I sowed them in 2023 and they were planted out in Spring 2024. They then sulked and didn’t grow at all until Spring this year. They grew to about about 8” high, lots of healthy leaves but then……..nothing…

They are in reasonable soil, not brilliant but not dreadful, with good afternoon sun

Any advice?

 

They seem to do best when sown directly to ground, preferably at time of harvest. This also applies to foxgloves and even parsnips !! Thin subsequently to control population and they should do well.