Download Hollyhocks – what`s up `hock?

Hollyhocks – what’s up ‘hock? - Garden NZ
Thursday, 02 May 2013 08:00
Tall and toned, leggy and lovely, this girl from the garden isn’t walking anywhere. But she still makes each gardener who
passes go, ‘aaah!’
Hollyhocks certainly are glorious additions to any garden and, to be perfectly ‘Frank’, it’d be a Sin-atra not to plant her in the garden this time
of year!
What are hollyhocks anyway?
Native to parts of Asia, Europe and Egypt, Hollyhocks (Alcea) feature broad leaves and numerous flowers – in a number of colours – on stems
reaching as high as 3-4 metres.
They are considered to be biennials, or short-lived perennials. This is because, while they tend to grow leaves in their first year, then flower and
die in their second, in some cases, if the conditions are right, they can live longer.
How, where and when to plant
Although they can also be planted in spring, now’s a perfect time to plant hollyhocks, as it will allow them plenty of time to
establish their root systems during the winter months.
Choose a well sheltered spot. Because they grow so tall, hollyhocks will need protection from strong winds and heavy rain. Planted against a
wall, a fence or alongside flowers of similar heights should do the trick.
They prefer moist, well drained soil and full sun – at least six hours a day, wherever possible.
Plant seeds roughly 5mm below the soil and 60cms apart.
Care
Despite being a leggy good-looker, holly’s not such a high maintenance broad! That said, she does need a little attention.
While they should be watered every day when young – to help develop their roots to fend off winter chills – hollyhocks can later get by with a
twice-weekly sprinkling, particularly if rain is falling regularly. Continue to water even after the plants finish blooming.
Mulch 6-8cm deep, particularly during dry spells, to protect from weeds and retain moisture. This will also provide fertile ground in which seeds
from the plants can grow.
Also, add a little compost or fertiliser to help hollyhocks along in spring. If the flowers become too top-heavy, they can be loosely tied for
support.
Pests & diseases
Because they’re part of the hibiscus family, hollyhocks are subject to many of the same pest and disease-related problems and should be
similarly treated.
Rust can be a particular problem. Fungicide can treat rust, but prevention is always better than a cure. Water from the bottom up, ensure the
plants have sufficient air circulation and receive enough sun, and rust should not develop, or at least be confined to the plant’s lowest branches.
Harvest
Seeds can be harvested from hollyhocks for future planting. Once the pods are brown and dry, the pods can be removed and the seeds
extracted. Seeds can be planted, or stored in the fridge ready for planting the following season.
Alternatively, let nature take its course; pods will open and drop seeds on the ground where the strong will survive.
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